U14A Doncaster Rovers vs Waverley 1st June
The first day of winter was announced with a foggy cold day where all the parents huddled under the grandstand pleased to at least see the other side of the ground. This was the game where the focus was to boost the goal average as Waverley had not scored any and but had conceded 13 in its previous 5 outings.
The game commenced with both sides having a crack but with very little pressure on the keepers. Waverley gained the first corner with play pretty even but did little with the chance. Doncaster gained the upper hand with the defence of Luke, Michael Piccoli, Joel, Matt, Nick D and Elliot in control and possession through the centre where Phil, Chris, and Drew were moving the ball down the right with every move. Waverley held firm, with only the odd long shot and again not really troubling the keeper as Doncaster struggled to put their stamp on the game in front of goal. Finally Chris took 3 consecutive corners and on the third attempt curled one in nicely to defeat the keeper. The game then sputtered along with Alex, Nick Vass and Dion in the play but shots on goal just frittered away.
Half-time score: Rovers 1 : Waverley 0
The second half started in the same unconvincing manner with chances going begging in front of goal where rushed play or lack of talking contributed to poor shot selection.
The forwards were rotated with Steve, James and Michael Palomares into the play and Phil still controlling the centre but indecisive play cost the team options as players with the ball waited for something to happen rather than make it happen by speed of ball play.
Finally, another corner taken by Chris was perfectly placed over the outstretched arms of the keeper, allowing Nick D to run onto the ball and put his header in the net.
The second goal sparked Rovers into a more aggressive style of play and Chris who was dominating the left side of the ground put a firm pass into the box across the keeper allowing Alex an easy tap in as he charged the goal. Finally Rovers were gaining momentum and looked likely to swamp Waverley who were starting to wilt under the pressure. Jansen put in a few good runs from right back to keep the ball moving forward. Another foray forward was repelled by Waverley but only just outside the box and Chris let one rip getting plenty on the ball to leave the goalie stranded as another goal went on the board.
The referees whistle could not come soon enough for Waverley who looked “out for the count” but Rovers would not be satisfied with 95% of the play and only 4 goals to show for it. Lucky Chris had such a good day, because the forward attack on the goal could be improved in the coming weeks.
Scores at full-time: Rovers 4 : Waverley 0
GO ROVERS !!
