It seems like only a fortnight ago that we were treated to the warm and friendly hospitality of the club who. And here we were again but had we learnt anything from our last visit. Well, there were two important positional changes with the writer taking over navigational duties and hdl being pushed back down the rota ensuring the players had a trouble free pre match build up.

Today was more about the performance than the result. We were looking for effort and determination and the boys gave it by the bucket load. From the kick off Villa showed that they were there to compete chasing down every ball and giving Rose no time at all. In fact Villa were dominating the opening play with a rattled Rose unable to get the ball off us. It was unfortunate that, against the run of play, a long Rose punt saw them take the lead. Villa just kept on battling and Red Rose did not like it one bit. Villa were still enjoying most of the ball but were just lacking that killer punch in the final third. A dubious penalty was awarded to Rose but justice ensued as their forward managed to scuff it well wide of the post. The back line was working well today and Rose were caught well offside on numerous occasions.Two goals in a minute for Rose gave them a 3-0 lead at half time a slightly unfair reflection on the balance of play. The second half was much the same as the first with Euxton still up for the battle. Rose are certainly a fit side and this showed as they scored three goals late in the second half as our boys began to tire. This was a well earned victory for Red Rose who, unlike last time, were made to fight all the way.

A great battling display from Euxton who when focused and given clear instructions from the sidelines, can produce a positive performance.