MATCH PREVIEW: Rothbury v Newcastle Independent
HILLMEN HOPE TO GIVE UNBEATEN NEWCASTLE INDEPENDENT THE GOAT
Reds hot-shot Chrissy Coe got off the mark with a double in last weekend’s superb 4-0 success at Wallsend Boys Club and admitted: “I could have had five.”
The young striker opened the scoring mid-way through the first period and rounded things off with eleven minutes to go.
He reckoned that the first was one of the sweetest that he’s even struck and that it will live long in the memory.
“It was probably the best goal I’ve scored, especially at senior level, with out a doubt,” said Coe.
“We hit them on the counter, Dunny chipped one over and it sat up perfectly – it was too good not to hit on the half volley outside of the box from a tight angle and the second one same thing; we broke with some good play, Josh cut the ball back to the edge of the box and I stroked it into the bottom right corner.”
Big number nine Paul Dunn himself added the second as he struck for the third successive game, while combative midfielder Kyle Smith netted number three shortly after the interval.
“I’m pleased to be off the mark for the season goals wise and to put another assist -or ‘buffet ball’ as we call it – was a good start for me,” said Coe, who says that he hopes he has learnt lessons from his first senior sending off on the opening day of the season.
“It was strange watching from the sideline while suspended, but frustration got the better that day,” he continued.
“The spirit in the club is really good. We’re all in it together and we all have a laugh whether it be training or match day – it’s good crack and to see everyone enjoying it is what it’s all about. But it’s also good to see a few of the young lads joining in training and match days. Just to have them around the place has helped.”
Coe will anticipate retaining his place in the forward line for the visit of Newcastle Independent on Saturday (Armstrong Park, 2.30pm) as the Reds look to continue their good form.
“It will be a tough one but we seem to do well against the harder teams so let’s see what Saturday brings – fingers crossed three points,” he said.
Rothbury player-manager Tom Macpherson felt that the Wallsend victory was thoroughly deserved and joked about some of the chances that his side had failed to put away.
“I thought we dominated the game for large parts. After a tricky first 20 minutes when Wallsend put us under a lot of pressure without really creating much we made a slight tactical change and it gave us a platform to play our football,” said the boss.
“We scored some brilliant goals, Chris Coe’s first in particular. We could have actually extended our lead further had Chris not missed his three easiest chances, including his very own impression of Ronny Rosenthal! I thought Greg, Kyle and Chris were all outstanding on the day and are playing out of their skins at the moment,” he continued.
With Newcastle Independent fourth in the table with five wins out of five so far, Macpherson certainly knows that the Reds face a tough test and expects another entertaining game.
“We look forward to welcoming our old friends from our Division Two-winning season to Armstrong Park. Both clubs have made progress on and off the field since that season and it’s refreshing to see their ambitions of climbing up the leagues,” he said.
“The games between the two sides have always been fiercely competitive, entertaining but with real quality too so it would be worth coming down to watch. The numbers are returning to Armstrong Park and the local support is very much appreciated.”
Words: Jon Tait