Shotley Rose FC 4 vs 3 Martlesham Old Boys FC

A day where the whole community came together to remember Family member/Friend & Team mate Lee Adams. A crowd of well over 200 were in attendance for the match which paid tribute to Lee.

Greg Symes named his first competitive squad since taking charge in the summer.

Windsor, P.Adams, Cook, Grogan, T.Scutcher, Rowland, R.Scutcher, Harbut, D.Scutcher, Smith & S.Adams

The game was always going to be full of emotions, it was just the way The Rose could handle those emotions was the question.

The first half was very much played in midfield, no real openings in the first 25 minutes as both defences stayed on top. On 35 minutes Ben Grogan played a lovely ball over the top to send Smith away, Smith stayed composed by lobbing it over the keeper before tucking it in to an empty net.

The first half came to a close with no real other chances to note.

The 2nd half was far more open, as The Rose attacked, and committed bodies forward to try & get further in front, 3 break away goals in 15 minutes had Martlesham looking like they would run away with it as they went 3-1 up, (2 x Peck & 1 x Ketley)

The game could have died out & be a morning to forget, but like Lee Adams the boys didnt give up & found an extra 10% .

The tides changed when the ref pointed to spot after a hand ball by a Martlesham defender. Ste Adams stepped up and buried his penalty into the bottom corner.

With little less than 10 to go, Ryan Scutchers pestering & determination paid off, as he manage to nick the ball and sent in a looping cross to Harry Tilbury who headed home the equaliser.

It was waves and waves of Shotley now, as they poured forward, looking for a late winner, and with 2 minutes left, defender Dan Cook found himself in the middle of the 18 yard box & placed home his shot to send the Playing Field wild!

The boys turned it around & got the 3pts they fully deserved. On an emotional morning, it would have been easy to crumble, but in true Lee Adams spirit they pulled off the comeback!

#UppaRose