Saturday 24th May vs Ashburton
A close and tight tussle saw the Rovers prevail:
With two teams that looked evenly matched at the beginning of the game it was sure to be an exciting battle. And so it turned out to be with a low scoring affair where only three first half goals were scored by the Rovers and some brilliant goal keeping from the opposition shut us out in the second half.
It was a day of many chances created by the boys in yellow with the woodwork (actually the metalwork) denying them several goals. In total the goal post was struck five times and if not for the talents of an extremely capable opposing keeper who saved no less than six certain goals, struck with venom, the score-line could have been significantly different.
The first half began with a flurry and much energy by both teams. The Rovers quickly gained the ascendancy and moved forward. It wasn’t long before Spyros struck a thunderbolt that was just parried by the keeper for the first of his many saves. With the ensuing rebound, Jack pounced only to be denied by the post. Both well timed shots that were simply unlucky not to have broken the deadlock. The half continued with the Rovers controlling the midfield and passing out wide to the wings. Even at this young age the boys have been well drilled to keep their shape on the field and create spaces for each other. The wings were well occupied by Anthony on the right and Christos on the left who both had an absolute blinder dribbling past their opposition and whipping the ball into the middle. Aaron was fantastic pushing up from defence and almost occupying the midfield position where barely a ball went past him. Michael again in defence controlled everything and was cool and calm in his execution.
The first goal was a ripper after some good work by Alexandre and Jack in the middle of the park, running past several opposing players, Jack was on fire with another great shot off the post and Christos swooped onto the loose ball to blast it into the top of the net for his first goal of the season.
More great shots without the luck of troubling the score-sheet were to follow by Alexandre and Ryan who was again dribbling past players and creating numerous opportunities. The change in the midfield which seemed to ignite the boys, was when Dion came on and made every loose ball a contest as he pushed his way forward in position to receive a great ball from Jack, slotting it brilliantly into the top corner. Where there is one, there is always a second when Dion is involved, and as sure as night follows day within a minute he had his second on the board after a great run from Alexandre down the right wing with a pass to Ryan who gave the final assist.
The second half was significant for the fact that the boys were kept scoreless in a half for the first time this year. The game was nonetheless very exciting and action-packed with many great opportunities created, especially by Joshua who seemed to have the ball on a string down the left wing. His endeavour was second to none, but alas the ball simply would not roll into the back of the net. With one final chance to increase the score Alex threw himself headfirst at a cross from the left, which would have been contender for goal of the year had he connected. A greatly competitive game with some genuine competition that the boys have craved this year. The final score of 3 – 0 may not have been entirely reflective of the play but was spectacular for the skill and composure shown by the boys and their continued endeavour to play passing football.
Season Stats: P – 4 W – 4 L – 0 D – 0 GF – 40 GA - 0
Well done to all the boys and the coach.
Next week we meet Richmond away at Kevin Bartlett Reserve with a 10am kick-off.
Train Hard, Play Fair & Have Fun
