Round 4 - U10 Kangaroo Yellow - Match Report

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No Fear in Lions’ Den!

Saturday 17 May (away) v. Bulleen 2.

After overcoming the hoodoo of beating Bulleen last week, we visited the other Bulleen team in our league, this week.
Minus several players due to illness, but sporting our new sponsored shirts by Atomica Coffee, we basked in the glorious 7oC and wet conditions. Pre-game bacon and eggs were consumed, whilst our squad welcomed the chance to warm up in the changing rooms away from the hostile environment that would greet the gladiators as they came out to battle.
As the temperature rose on the sideline, the game started with us feeling overawed in the opening 5 minutes.
Once we found our feet, we were one down.
However, our response to the instructions from the management team by the dugout was quick. Increasing pressure and a fine corner from Matt, was volleyed home by Yanni. Alex grabbed the second with a shot into the corner, and Josh’s angled drive made it 3.
Defensively we held firm, with Jonathon S running half the length of the pitch to make a last ditch challenge that even left his Dad gasping for oxygen!
With a 3 – 1 lead at half-time, the instructions were clear. Score the next goal and their heads will go down.
This we did. In fact, a repeat of the first half score line followed. Alex, Yanni and Matt all scored well taken goals, whilst the woodwork denied James a 7th.
Despite conceding one at the other end, our defence again showed increasing confidence. Jeremy leading the back line, ably supported by his lieutenants, Lachie, Jason, Jonathon M and Jonathon N. They all showed composure on the ball, won challenges under pressure, and provided the spark when we moved forward from the back.
Jacob made a confident debut in goal, whilst Matt played his best game yet on the right of midfield.
Jonathon S ran all day in midfield, linking well with James in the centre of midfield, providing the opportunities for our forwards to all get on the scoresheet.
Another good win, well done, boys, and thanks to the parents for their support.

Next week, home v Casey Comets, 12 noon kick-off at Anderson Park.

Season:- P 3 W3 D0 L0 Gls For 13 Gls Ag 5.

C’mon the Y1s

Latest FFV fixture changes

Please note the following:

Round 4 – South East U10 Yellow
FC Bulleen Lions 1 v Doncaster Rovers 2 will be played at 1pm

This change and address details can be found on the updated fixtures online: http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/competitions/fixtures/

Round 3 - U12A - Match Report

Rovers 12a v Clayton

The 12a's came out with a point to prove after their draw to Box Hill Inter last week and within a minute of the kick off Harry firmly struck the ball into the back of the net.

Doncaster dominated the entire first half, with Clayton struggling to get the ball out of their own half and defending desperately, but Rovers found it hard to turn the domination into goals, with shots either going wide or straight at the keeper. As half time approached Liam cut in from the left flank and put a fierce shot past the Clayton keeper to put the scores to 2-0 at half time.

In the second half Doncaster dominated yet again, and this time were able to create more effective chances. Goals went to Tom (with a memorable goals celbration), Josh who belted a curling shot into the corner of the goal, Cameron who hit an unstopable free kick and were rounded out by Stephen who scored a tap in after some neat team interplay.

It was great for all to see the desperation in the boys play as they kept searching for more goals, with Stephen chasing down balls from the kick off. The Final result of 6-0 was thoroughly deserved and there were some great attacking moves put together in the game. The fact that we had no multiple goalscorers reflected the team ethic that our boys have and should be very proud of. Congratulations to Liam and Josh for scoring their first goals of the season.

Final Result: Rovers 6-0 Clayton
Goal of the week: Cameron

Round 3 - U9 Yellow - Match Report

Saturday 10th May v FC Bulleen Lions

With the expectation this week of a tougher encounter against traditional rivals FC Bulleen Lions, the Rovers began almost as they finished last week’s game. Immediately into attack and adhering to the coach’s instructions dutifully. Strategically superior with the game plan clearly in place to control the midfield, the boys used the full width of the pitch playing the ball skilfully out wide and pressuring forward as a cohesive unit.

Relentlessly the crosses came into the middle from both left and right wings. Anthony showed his true class on the right with his rocket like passes into the middle and some magical direct shots on goal. From the left, Christos again was his elusive best, dribbling past the oncoming Bulleen defenders. The pressure was ominous from Ryan and Joshua who showed indelible strength and commitment. An opposing defence packed with 9 defenders may on occasions have seemed impenetrable, but the never say die spirit of the Rovers would surely prevail. And so it did, on the 10 minute mark of the first half, a series of precision passes ensued, with Spyros positioning himself perfectly to receive and effortlessly slot home the opening goal.

The second was to follow not long after, with a bullet like shot from Joshua into the top right corner. At this point Bulleen seemed to find a renewed energy and emerged with their first attack of the game. The impenetrable Rovers defence of Michael and Aaron held firm, not content to merely repel the attack, but managed to pass the ball forward maintaining possession reminiscent of the beautiful game. A typically meandering solo run from Dion produced the exquisite third goal of the game. And thus ended the first half at 3 – 0.

The second half produced similar results and the coach used his rotations perfectly to keep the players fresh and constantly hungry for the ball. Cheyne was once again a powerhouse dynamite, relentlessly winning possession in the midfield. Alex in goals was not called upon often, but on the rare Bulleen attack, showed why he is all class and technical expertise by rushing forward to narrow the angle and circumvent any danger. Noobar showed that he has lost none of his touch and toughness on his first game back for the season. The silky skills of Alexandre were once again apparent and a class above the opposition, brilliantly slotting home the last goal of the match, but not before Michael and Spyros put the ball in the back of the net earlier.

The final result of 6 – 0 was definitely indicative of the nature of the play but also could so easily have been many more with many great opportunities created by the boys. Special thanks to Paul (Alex’s dad) for his excellent control and adjudication as referee.

Maintaining a clean score sheet for the second week in a row, the boys efforts have been exceptional. Well done to all the boys and the coach.

Next week we meet Whitehorse away at Terrara Park with a 10am kick-off.

Train Hard, Play Fair & Have Fun

Round 3 - U10 Joeys Blue - Match Report

A FAIR RESULT FOR THE “BLUES’’

After quite an entertaining game the Doncaster U10 BLUES drew 2-2 with Ashburton at Anderson Creek this week. In their first official home game the Blues began the game sluggishly giving the opportunity to the visitors to take the lead in the score.

After the goal the Blues started to find their momentum with a few good moves from the midfield, with Justin and Christopher pushing the ball to our forward line where Jack and Peter (who started in attack) begun to create some openings. Timothy on the left and James on the right started to make their familiar runs and the Blues begun to dominate.

However, Ashburton always looked dangerous when they came forward, forcing Declan and Stefan to do a lot of work to cover Marko.

On the other hand Ethan as a right back and Billy on the left, were outstanding in their role to take the ball out wide and push it to our midfielders. It wasn’t until the second half, where the efforts of the Blues were rewarded, when Timothy after a great run scored the equalizer.
Alexander and Jack then came on to the park and with their freshness and thirst to win the ball they gave Doncaster that extra edge. So, it wasn’t long before the Blues made it 2-1, with Timothy the provider and Jack the scorer. The Blues then looked to be in control of the game and started to create a few more chances, with James and Jack and behind them Michael, were all working hard to keep the ball in our forward line.

Our defense looked more positive with their clearances - and on came Corey to give them a hand. However, it wasn’t meant to be for the Blues with Ashburton managing after a corner kick to squeeze in a late equalizer.

Overall, it was a great effort from both teams and the end result, I believe, was fair.

The Blues travel next week to Whitehorse, undefeated and hungry for a win!!!

WELL DONE!

Round 3 - U14A - Match Report

U14A Manningham vs Doncaster Rovers 11th May

On a cool and cloudy Mothers day Manningham hosted Doncaster at the Wilson Rd “cow paddock”. The pitch had everything, weeds grass, bare patches, divots and bumps, as well as a good slope to the city end. Again no ref so Manningham hosted with a fair referee.

The game started with Rovers on top in most positions, even though we were kicking up the hill. Soon Rovers had an opening in front of goal but could not finish. Then Damien had a crack that went wide. Every time Manningham pushed the ball out Jansen, who was dominating his right side of the ground sent it straight back. If the ball went over the top Joel, Nick Dinakis, Elliot and Michael Piccoli were quick to clean up. Through the centres Phil, Chris and Dion were on top bringing down the high balls and delivering to teammates by foot. Up forward Drew, Nick Vass and Damien were getting into the play but could not set up a striking opportunity.

The boys were applying plenty of pressure and Manningham started to crack with swipes at the ball mainly going out, rather than passing to position. Chris intercepted a pass just over the half way line and forced the ball down the left side then centred the ball to the top of the box where Nick Vass flicked immediately to Phil, right in front of goal who had space to line it up and drive home the first goal. Rovers were well on top with good passing all over the ground and plenty of talk. Any approach to goal up the other end was easily mopped up by Luke who had little pressure on his goal.

Scores at half-time: Rovers 1: Manningham 0

After the break Rovers kept up the momentum with Chris and Phil well on top and Jansen doing his best to imitate a greyhound up and down his side of the ground. Chris had a hard shot on goal go over the top, then shortly after Steve had a great opportunity to beat the keeper but it went wide.
Then “Dama” stepped up and soon beat his man to have the keeper done cold for a good goal. Within a few minutes Damien again took on his man and dribbled from just past the centre right up to the keeper and again slotted home a beauty. It would be fair to say Damien was not playing on the fastest lad we have seen!
Nick Vass then had another opportunity following a string of good passes, only to see the Manningham keeper pull off a great save.

Just to round things off the ball was soon in the box again where Dama was in the thick of it getting a left foot tap across the line. A hat-trick of goals is a nice Mothers day present for your Mum and the boys were all feeling pretty happy as well.
This was a solid hit out by all the boys, particularly given we played with a squad of only 13, due to the absence of James, Matt & Michael Palomares because of illness and injury. This performance should give them confidence to trust their teammates with good passing and backing up, to become a better team every week they play together.

Scores at full-time: Rovers 4: Manningham 0
GO ROVERS!

update on fixture changes 13th May 2008

Please note the following changes to away games involving Doncaster Rovers:

Round 4 –

Girls Metro 16B v Glen Eira will be played at 1:45pm

Round 6 –

Rooball South East 10 Yellow (Sat) Doncaster 1 v Nunawading City will be played at 11am

Round 16 -

Rooball South East 10 Yellow (Sat) Doncaster 2 v Nunawading City will be played at 11am


These changes and address details can be found on the updated fixtures online: http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/competitions/fixtures/


Kieran McManus
Secretary
DRSC

This Monday Night at AP

BLOCKBUSTER ON MONDAY NIGHT 6.15PM @ ANDERSON PARK.

U15A GIRLS PLAYING CATCH UP MATCH AGAINST UNDEFEATED SANDRINGHAM.

PROMISES TO BE A HIGH STANDARD GAME COME AND LEND YOUR SUPPORT.

DONT MISS IT!

Round 2 - U10 Kangaroo Yellow - Match Report

‘Ones off to winning start’

Saturday 3 May (away)
v. DRSC Yellow 2s

After several promising pre-season games, the big one was upon us. Several changes to our squad over the summer, had bolstered us in key positions ready for the transition from 9 to 11-a-side, and to a full pitch.
Carlos remained as right-hand man (aka Jim), and adopted his other role as Pierluigi Collina, looking youthful with full head of hair, obviously spending time with Warnie at the Advanced Hair Studio!
The game was brought forward to 10am, to accommodate not playing in the middle of the day and for the coach to go and watch the Hawks thrash the Pies!!
50 seconds on the watch and a neat interchange by our forward 3, left Alex to steer home the opening goal of the season. We continued to move forward well, but failed to convert another in the first half.
The off-side rule was also beginning to play a factor, especially on the sidelines, which should be interesting when we play Bulleen next week!
Several changes in positions, gave everyone a rest, and whilst our defence and Kirk kept the Twos out, Yanni and Josh grabbed one each to put us 3 up.
The Twos started to create more chances and despite pulling 2 goals back, we hung on to win 3 – 2.
Well done to our defence of Matty, Jeremy, Jonathon M, Anton and Jonathon N, the midfield of Jonathon S, Matthew, James and Lachie, and our forwards of Yanni, Alex and Josh. Kirk remained ever-reliable, having no chance with either goal. His task of looking like Aaron Sandilands in those goals is a difficult one that will get easier with age.

Well done boys, a promising start to the season ahead.

Season:- P 1 W1 D0 L0 Gls For 3 Gls Ag 2.

C’mon the Y1s

Round 2 - U10 Joeys Blue - Match Report

DATE: Saturday, 3rd May, 2008 OPPONENTS: Glen Waverley
LOCATION: Larpent Reserve, Glen Waverley.

A deserved win for the Blues!!!!
You did it!

After a great game last Saturday, the Doncaster U10 Blues began the season with a win by 2-0 against Glen Waverley.

All the boys performed extremely well and showed that they are already improving in many areas of their game. The first half ended 0-0 with the home team having more possession of the ball….. But the Blues looking a lot sharper and dangerous in their counter attacks in which they could have (with a little more concentration) taken the lead.

In the second half of the match the Blues began to gradually dominate the game and after Jack scored a great first goal with a thundering shot, the boys moved up a gear. With Timothy on the left and Jake on the right who were creating a lot of chances for James and Jack. Justin and Michael (who had a great game in the middle of the park) were supporting the boys’ efforts. It is great to see Christopher and Peter gradually starting to get more confident on the ball. The same can be said for Alexander, who in the second half took on players and displayed good skill.
Billy and Ethan were once more our little running machines, chasing every loose ball making sure it was always in Glen Waverley’s half.

So, it was just a matter of time before the Blues made it 2-0 with James placing the ball at the back of the net with a terrific shot. The boys continued to press and create many chances and were unlucky not to score more goals.

Finally, the defenders did a tremendous job. Stefan and Declan were outstanding in the middle of our defense clearing and controlling every dangerous situation. Marko was once more alert and had many good saves in the first half and most importantly his goal kicks and distribution of the ball to our defenders was a lot better.

Damian started off slowly, but as the game went on, he improved and showed that he can hold the ball and
distribute it out wide. Corey was a bit quiet, but always put a good challenge for the ball.

Overall, it was a well deserved win and I would like to congratulate all the boys for their efforts and enthusiasm.
Well done.

John

fixture changes just recieved from the FFV

Please note the following changes to away fixtures for Doncaster Rovers:

Round 3 –
Boys East 14A v Manningham will be played at Wilson Reserve
Boys East 15A v Manningham will be played at Wilson Reserve

Round 4 –
Boys East 13A v Nunawading City will be played at 10am
Boys Metro 18 Blue v Manningham will be played at Wilson Reserve

Round 6 –
Rooball South East 10 Yellow (Sat) Doncaster 1 v Nunwading City will be played at 11am

Round 12 –
Boys East 13A v South Melbourne will be played at Marlborough Reserve

Round 15 –
Boys East 11 Kang Yellow v Box Hill will be played at 3:15pm

Round 16 -
Rooball South East 10 Yellow (Sat) Doncaster 2 v Nunwading City will be played at 11am

These changes and address details can be found on the updated fixtures online: http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/competitions/fixtures/

Kieran McManus
Secretary
DRSC

Round 2 - U9 Yellow - Match Report

After a one week delay, we can happily report that the DRSC U9 A Yellow season is underway. The first game was eagerly anticipated by players and coach alike. Confident that the pre-season training drills and practice games had been effective and educational in the quest to improve each player’s skills and fitness levels.

Against a visibly smaller team in stature, the first competitive game against Mooroolbark was whistled underway on Saturday 3rd of May at 9am.

From the first kick-off the boys in yellow exuded confidence and were immediately into attack. The constant pressure took its toll on the opposition and the first of many goals was magnificently slotted home by Ryan, a first year Rovers player whose silky skills and seamless movement with the ball separated him from the opposing players.

At this point it was the writer’s intention to give a short summary of each of the goals sequentially as the game progressed, but due to a lack of fingers and descriptive adjectives, and the simple mathematics of 19 goals, a summary of only a few of the more memorable goals will simply have to suffice.

Yes, that was not a misprint, 19 - 0 was the final result. That was the accumulation of three hat-tricks, three other multiple scorers and in total 10 players of the team of 12 getting their names on the score sheet, including Alex our goalkeeper who whilst being in goals unfortunately didn’t get to touch the ball, but made an instant impact when an inspired change by the coach to reposition him forward resulted in an exceptional goal and an exquisite header which just sailed over the bar.

It seems headers were the order of the day, when the wonderfully talented and tenacious Cheyne, possibly our smallest player rose mercurially above all others in the box to meet a corner and head home another magnificent goal. Not to be out-done, Spyros whilst running back away from goal also managed to head home from quite a distance looping majestically over the opposing keeper for one of his three.

The always reliable Jack, slammed home a power goal into the top corner among his three, all the while maintaining control of the midfield, ably accompanied by Christos’ penetrating runs down the wing creating endless opportunities, and Dion’s fervent dribbling skills, also providing many forward thrusts and two wonderful second half goals of his own. Another player whose dribbling skills simply mesmerised the opposition and often drew them into fouls was Alexandre, making his contribution on the score sheet with three well drilled goals of his own.

Aaron and Michael once again proved that their vision and reading of the play ensured there was very little danger defensively for our committed team. For both it wasn’t just their defensive efforts as they each managed to score excellent goals after a concerted series of passes amongst the boys.

Anthony, also managed to skilfully turn on the run and slot home two timely goals, one in each half, and continued to provide his powerful and explosive crosses into the box always creating danger for opposing defences. Lastly, Joshua provided the wonderful link with his ferocious tackling and fervent attack on the ball, and his pin-point accurate corners were the perfect assist for a couple of outstanding goals.

All in all, a flawless performance from the boys and an enjoyable beginning for the season. Of note was the good spirit and sportsmanship that each of our players showed, giving respect to the opposing players and the referee. Three hearty cheers and congratulations on a game well played were shared by both teams. Well done to all the boys and the coach.

Next week we meet FC Bulleen Lions at Anderson Park with a 10am kick-off.

Train Hard, Play Fair & Have Fun

2008 Fixtures - click here !

Please check the FFV fixtures regularly in these first few weeks of the season.

click on image to enlarge

Welcome from the President

Away We Go!

On behalf of the Committee of Management and the Junior Committee I would like to pass on our hearty GOOD LUCK to all our junior teams that kick off the 2008 season this weekend.

Boys & Girls from the new Small Sided Games as young as 5 years old kicked off their season last weekend and the older kids up to 18 year olds start the official season over this coming weekend. Doncaster Rovers will be fielding a record number of players again across all teams, which makes us the 4th largest club in Victoria.

I urge all players and parents to adhere to the Code of Conduct that they have agreed to abide by when becoming a member of the club and the FFV football family. Play the game with spirit and play hard but be fair and respect the Referee at all times.

We remind parents that the club is run purely by volunteers so please help us to make that club a better place for all our players and visitors. Jump in the canteen to assist, be a ground marshal at your child's game or simply ask where you can help the club, every little bit of assistance helps us all.

So GO ROVERS and may you all have a Great 2008!!!

Steve Hargitay

Club President

Playing strips - Availability and pick up arrangements

Dear All,

I have just been informed by our supplier that all playing strips are with him, have been embroidered and are currently being numbered, the shorts will be delivered to the club tonight with the tops being delivered tomorrow.

Current plan is for the committee to sort these and other items into team lots and package up available for pick up from Anderson Park this Friday night from 7:30pm, due to the sorting out of kits into sizes they will not be available before this time.

Please note packages need to be picked up by either the team manager or coach of each team also there is a reserve/senior game on Friday night and entry is free to all members.

If you cannot make your pickup on Friday night you can pick up your package on Saturday morning between 9:00 and 11:00am (limited exchange of shorts and socks available).

Exchange of shorts or socks can then be made at Anderson Park over the next two weeks (subject to size availability, must not have been used in games) on Wednesday and Thursday nights from 7:00 till 9:00pm, or by arrangement with a member of the committee.


Regards


Kieran McManus
Secretary DRSC

Practice Matches this Weekend

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First Round Fixtures Postponed

The FFV have just confirmed that all Doncaster Rovers first round fixtures have been postponed to the catch-up round later in the season.

This mean that there will be no Junior or sub-Junior matches this weekend.

SSG will still go ahead at 9am on Saturday.

Friday / Saturday / Sunday @ Anderson Park

Friday
Senior Men v Casey Comets (reserves 6.30pm & seniors 8.30pm)

Saturday
NO ACTIVITY - there will be no matches nor will gear be distributed

Sunday
GALA DAY v Keilor Park and WPL v Heidelberg

DRSC v Keilor Park Gala Day this Sunday @ Anderson Park

click on image to enlarge - please check this blog between now and Sunday in case of any late changes

This Weekend at Anderson Park

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