U14A Doncaster Rovers vs Knox 22nd June
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Finally the big game we had all been waiting for had arrived. The weather was not conducive, rain all morning and a cool wind from the south. Fortunately the rain stopped just before play began, and while the air was cool the atmosphere was decidedly hot with players and officials having plenty to say, to the opponents, the crowd, the ref, basically to anyone that wanted to listen. Fortunately the game prevailed although Rovers had their first send off for the season when the ref dismissed our linesman at half-time for “being disagreeable”. Perhaps one eyed is a better description, as we all know Mr. ......Palomares is the perfect gentleman!
The game was played on the top pitch which was in better condition due to all the rain, and both teams were champing at the bit to get into it. Rovers went forward and in a very congested box area the ball crossed the goal line. Most supporters thought it was a melee goal, not to be confused with a Pele goal, but in fact Chris had somehow got the ball over the line. Knox were quick to hit back and although some thought the Knox forward was offside (passive) the goal went in much to the glee of the “other crowd”.
Both teams were passing the ball well with the ball moving from end to end in chains of passes. Rovers defense was standing up well with Nick Dinakis, Joel, Michael Piccoli and Chris repelling most of the Knox forward moves, it was good to see the boys attack the ball strongly and with Jansen putting in some good attacking runs down the right and Luke mopping up everything else the Knox boys were starting to crack. In the centres Matt, Phil, and Alex were putting on the pressure and up forward Drew, Steve and later Nick Vass were making the most of their chances.
Just before half-time Alex had half a chance after another good free kick by Chris saw him get around a couple but the ball went over the bar.
Half-time score: Rovers 1 : Knox 1
Rovers were coming home with the wind and Jansen was continuing to upset the Knox defense in more ways than one putting several good crosses into the box. Knox were also attacking and with a couple of free kicks looked dangerous but “Cool Hand” Luke was there to stop with two excellent saves. After another couple of corners by Knox the loose ball was pounced upon by the centre player and banged into the goal, unstoppable. Rovers were not to be outdone and kept on attacking and a good forward pass to Alex saw him beat his man and crack the ball past the sweeper and beat the goalie pointless to even the game up again. Elliot and Dion were on and after several shots on goal that were stopped by Luke, the ball came down to Rovers end where Nick D took a free kick and put up a great lob into the box where Elliot got onto a contested header only to see the ball just bounce on the cross bar and deflect out.
Ohhh so close!
Knox were hitting the panic button and started to take dives which the ref just lapped up and so several more shots on goal resulted, only to be saved by Luke again and again.
Both teams were still hard at the ball up until the final whistle with Rovers gaining a psychological victory and all supporters thrilled to see all the boys put in 100% effort during the game proving Knox rated themselves maybe above their real worth.
Scores at full-time: Rovers 2 : Knox 2
GO ROVERS !! – Well done boys, your true spirit was born today!!
