01/03/2026
Rockets made the trip to Thirsk to face NYSA in what has become a fixture that almost guarantees goals at both ends.
FC started brightly, winning their duels all over the pitch. Skipper River dictated play early on, feeding the forwards at will. Jaron was causing constant problems down the left, using his pace and two-footed ability to keep the defence guessing.
The opener came through relentless pressing from Zac, who began the game up front. He chased down the keeper, who thought he had time to settle, but Zac had other ideas — nicking the ball and squaring it for Frankie, who beat his man to tap home.
The second soon followed. Frankie drove forward and unleashed a shot/cross from distance that had the keeper scrambling. Zac reacted quickest to turn it in from close range.
Rockets were on top in the early exchanges. Harlee and Billy were aggressive in defence, giving the attackers no time on the ball. Their link-up play was excellent, confidently playing out from the back and finding their teammates with precision.
NYSA grew into the game and pulled one back. River was locked in a strong battle in midfield as the contest intensified. Rockets dropped a little too deep, and NYSA capitalised with an equaliser before adding a third just before half-time with a fine finish. There was little to separate the sides going into the break.
The half-time message was clear: keep playing the same way, close the gaps, and go and enjoy it.
Rockets flew out of the blocks again in the second half, producing some quality football. Ezrai led the line superbly, holding defenders off and bringing teammates into play. Billy slipped Jaron through, and after beating his man he delivered a dangerous cross towards the back post where Frankie looked certain to score. On 3G it probably flies in — but on grass the ball bobbled at the crucial moment and the finish skimmed the bar.
The game remained finely balanced. Billy and Harlee continued to impress, with Billy stepping into midfield and showing his explosiveness. River covered the central areas tirelessly, while Ezrai, Jaron and Frankie worked hard to defend from the front.
As Rockets pushed for an equaliser, NYSA produced a quality team goal for their fourth. Toby, who had a great game — brave, quick off his line and composed in possession — had little chance with it.
Chasing the game left gaps, but Harlee, Billy and River threw themselves at everything to prevent further goals. Zac continued his dogged work in midfield, while Ezrai and Jaron led the line in search of a way back.
A strong, competitive performance from the lads in their penultimate league fixture — full of effort, quality and character.
MOTM: Billy – everywhere on the pitch, battled relentlessly and drove the team forward all game.
UTR 🚀
Pirtek Cleveland
J Wilson Joinery
Jan and Toms
FC Hartlepool
Orangebox Training Solutions Limited
