The Juniors took an under strength team to play this fixture with some regulars away on holiday and others unavailable and it showed in this defeat.
Rothwell had just 7 players 2 of which were only playing there 2nd game where Batley had 11 players which showed their commitment.
It was very tight for the first 10 minutes with Batley looking the stronger and they went 2 goals up after a couple of mistakes in Rothwells defence.
Then Shannon suffered an injury and went into goals with Olivia coming out to play in midfield with Rothwell not having any subs this was going to tell.
Olivia then won the ball in midfield and was accidentally caught on the left knee and having to come off for treatment.half time 2-0.
After receiving treatment Olivia was unable to carry on playing so Rothwell kicked off in the 2nd half with only 6 players and Batley soon realised this and very sportingly withdrew 1 of their players making it 6 v 6 they then increased their lead to 3-0.
Africa was working her socks off in defence with Becky A and Becky B finding it difficult.
Megan then found Lucy free and she broke to fire home with a fine strike to reduce the arrears 3-1 and Rothwell then seemed to think we can still get something out of this game.
Lucy again broke free only his time shooting wide and when Megan did the same when free on her own it appeared all over.
Shannon then produced a fine save to keep Rothwell still in the game
but it proved to be disappointing when Batley who swapped their players at regular intervals proved too strong and they scored twice in the last minute to give then a well deserved 5-1 win
Rothwells Player of the Match was Africa
Batley Juniors 5 Rothwell Juniors 1 2/12/07