U14A Doncaster Rovers vs Whitehorse 27th July
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On a cool and wet day Rovers were at home to Whitehorse in a battle for second position on the ladder. This was one day where it was good to be under the grandstand. Rovers went into the game without Jansen, at least we had three on the pine.
The game started out with solid defence by both teams and good passing allowing build up’s into the forward half. At the back Luke, Michael Pic, Nik, Joel, Matt and Elliot were able to diffuse any forward moves by Whitehorse and pass off to the mid-field where Chris, Phil and Alex were controlling play and creating forward moves for Steve and Michael Pal. The Whitehorse backline was under more pressure and their sweeper came under notice several times with interceptions and clearances.
Rovers did have their chances as Chris made a few good runs down the left but shot just too late, at least we got the corners. Alex had the best opportunity after a good through ball allowing him to run at the keeper out of goal, however Alex side stepped the keeper but this allowed the sweeper to close and the opportunity was lost. Whitehorse also attacked with a couple of free kicks, one producing a header that just went past the goal.
Steve and Michael Pal were putting the defence under pressure but no real openings eventuated.
Half-time score: Rovers 0 : Whitehorse 0
The second half started out with both defences on top although Rovers were putting on forward pressure with a nice cross by Drew creating space but nobody ran onto the ball.
Both teams were passing to the feet but now Whitehorse were creating more forward space as defenders dropped off their men. There was also some pulling and pushing that gave Rovers several free kicks but on most occasions Rovers fell into the offside trap allowing a simple free to Whitehorse. Phil, Alex and Chris were still still pumping the ball forwards but the Whitehorse boys were always in the way. With more build ups for Whitehorse eventually a couple of players were free to pass allowing a close range shot on goal that gave Luke no chance.
Dion came on for Drew and Nick Vass came on for Nik D to give the boys a boost but most of the will to win had been knocked out already. It wasn’t long before more poor marking allowed a second shot on goal from inside the box to really finish us off.
The boys kept on trying but the Whitehorse boys were running on adrenalin and Rovers could not make any headway on the scoreboard.
Boys, keep the heads up, do not let this hiccup affect our performances over the next five rounds. Maximum effort should reap rewards.
Scores at full-time: Rovers 0 : Whitehorse 2
GO ROVERS !! – Next week is another opportunity to improve our game.
