Crookham Rovers Rockets U1 4 vs 4 RP Tigers RP Tigers U8s -

Crookham Rovers Rockets U10 hosted RP Tigers U10 Blacks at Hart Leisure Centre on the morning of 8 February 2026, with kick-off at 9:00am. In a pulsating seven-a-side league encounter lasting 50 minutes plus added time, the two sides battled to a dramatic 4-4 draw in front of 33 spectators. Referee James Gregory oversaw the match with commendable control throughout.

Today was a special day that marked a 100th appearance for our captain and perineal striker cooper Whiteman who was just 2 goals short of bringing up 200 goals for the club.

Crookham Rovers Rockets lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, a setup designed to balance defensive solidity with midfield creativity and a lone striker spearheading attacks. Seb Ralston took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, tasked with organising the defence and making crucial saves. The defensive duo of Tenny Harman and Felix Withers were positioned centrally, expected to thwart opposition advances and provide a platform for the midfield. The midfield trio consisted of Theo Little on the left, Will Evans centrally, and Ella Webb on the right, each charged with linking defence and attack, supporting both ends of the pitch. Up front, Cooper Whiteman led the line as the sole striker, responsible for finishing chances and applying pressure on the Tigers’ defence. The substitutes available were Patrick Campbell, George Mcdowell, and Finley Taylor.

The match began with early defensive resilience from Crookham. At three minutes, Felix Withers made a vital block to deny a Tigers chance, setting the tone for a competitive contest. Two minutes later, goalkeeper Seb Ralston was alert to block another opportunity, preserving the Rockets’ clean sheet. The deadlock was broken in the eighth minute when Cooper Whiteman showcased his individual skill, weaving through defenders before slotting home a right-footed solo goal to give Crookham the lead.

The Tigers responded swiftly. At 12 minutes, Theo Little intercepted a dangerous pass, preventing a scoring chance, but moments later, Tenny Harman’s attempted tackle failed to stop an opponent’s close-range solo goal, also struck with the right foot, which levelled the scores. Harman’s misjudgement in the same sequence did not lead to further damage but highlighted the pressure Crookham’s defence was under.

Shortly after, at 14 minutes, Crookham made a triple substitution, bringing on Patrick Campbell, George Mcdowell, and Finley Taylor for Felix Withers, Tenny Harman, and Ella Webb respectively. This fresh injection of energy was immediately felt as Campbell executed a crucial tackle at 16 minutes to deny another Tigers chance. Will Evans then delivered a precise slide rule pass, creating a clear opportunity for Cooper Whiteman, whose shot was saved by the Tigers’ goalkeeper.

The Tigers regained the lead at 19 minutes with a direct free-kick expertly struck with the right foot. Despite this, Ralston produced a full-stretch save to keep Crookham in the game. He continued to impress with a dive at the feet of an attacker three minutes later, maintaining his side’s hopes. The first half concluded at 25 minutes with the score at 2-2.

At half-time, Crookham made further changes, reintroducing Tenny Harman for Will Evans and Ella Webb for Theo Little. Ralston remained vigilant, making another diving save at 27 minutes. Substitutions continued with Felix Withers and Tenny Harman returning to the field, replacing Cooper Whiteman and Ella Webb, while Theo Little also came on for Harman, signalling tactical adjustments.

The Tigers extended their advantage at 33 minutes with another direct free-kick from outside the box, again struck with the right foot. Harman was booked for holding but no penalty was awarded. Crookham responded with tactical substitutions at 39 minutes, bringing Will Evans and Ella Webb back on, alongside Cooper Whiteman and Theo Little, with Harman making way. Ralston’s parry at this stage kept the Rockets in contention.

However, the Tigers struck again at 39 minutes with a powerful right-footed effort from outside the area, making it 4-1. Patrick Campbell’s interception shortly after prevented further damage. Crookham then mounted a spirited comeback. Theo Little’s slide rule pass at 41 minutes set up Cooper Whiteman, who scored his 200 goal for the club from close range following a neat team move. Moments later, Theo Little had a chance saved and later fired a shot high as Crookham pushed for a winner. Ella Webb’s long pass at 44 minutes failed to create a clear chance, but Will Evans’ interception at 45 minutes denied the Tigers once more. Evans then continued the comeback with a close-range solo goal,

Whiteman then got his hat-trick with a right-footed finish in the dying seconds assisted by George Mcdowell’s long pass, bringing the score to 4-4. The match ended all square.

Crookham Rovers Rockets U10 and RP Tigers U10 Blacks shared the spoils in a thrilling encounter marked by end-to-end action, tactical substitutions, and moments of individual brilliance. Cooper Whiteman’s hat-trick earned him the player of the match accolade, highlighting his pivotal role in the Rockets’ fightback. Seb Ralston’s goalkeeping heroics also kept Crookham competitive throughout. The draw leaves both teams with valuable points in the league as they look ahead to their next fixtures.