Wednesday, 11 June 2008

Round 7 - U12C - Match Report

Another good win for the team yesterday which should help prepare for the next 5 games against the top 4 teams (after our boys, of course!!).

It is easy to focus on the scorers (well done James -including a hat-trick, Nikolas and Steven Sercia) and to forget the quiet achievers in the team. Well done to Chris Damatopoulos who continued his spirited last man defence to repeatedly give the team time to regain their position when the opposition managed to break through our defence.

Editors note: This U12 team is one of 8 teams in the club to yet lose a game this season - well done boys.

Round 7 - U9 Yellow - Match Report

MATCH REPORT DRSC U9 YELLOW

Saturday 7th June v’s Brighton

Quality opposition still no match for Rovers:

If today, Saturday June 7th was to be the day that DRSC U9 Yellow were to be challenged, then without a hint of narcissism or bias, the boys proved beyond any doubt that their quality is unsurpassed. We welcomed a Brighton team with a reputation that preceded them with some big wins on the board. We also welcomed to our own team a first time player, Tilmann who despite his U9 age has been palying his trade successfully in a team above his age group. With a rapidly dwindling squad due to some long term injuries to a few of our boys, the inclusion of such a talented young player served to compliment the game plan and skills of our current crop of superstars.

The game began and it became apparent very early that our superior fitness and relentless attack on the ball would ensure a successful outing. Without exception we were first to the ball all day and controlled the tempo of play. The opposition could only react to our clever switching of play and use of the wings. Playing wide was instrumental in drawing the Brighton defenders and often leaving no less than two to three of our willing strikers in the middle with many opportunities to score. At times it was a case of too many options, and chances were squandered. Often our home ground facilities with the smaller sized goals proved to be our greatest nemesis. Many shots were blasted either over the bar or just wide.

There seemed to be little real pressure from the opposition and inevitably the first goal came, scored by Anthony, who quickly followed up with a second, which was exciting not just for the deadly finishing with the powerful shot in the top left corner, but for the great lead up work in challenging two defenders and then controlling with the outside of his right foot before applying the final touch.

It was then Tilmann’s turn to score two goals in succession with his first being a perfectly timed header after some good work from the right and a pinpoint cross. With his advantageous height he rose above all others to put the ball beyond the reach of the keeper. His second followed soon after and with the half time whistle the Rovers finished off the first half four goals up.

The second half began in much the same fashion, with the ball being played out from the Rover’s defence out to the wings. The boys by this stage had really found their voices and the calling was excellent with the ball hitting its mark each and every time. Great interlinking play down both wings and again excellent crosses just as the training drills had been practiced over and over.

A quick switch of tactic and the next forward foray came straight through the middle with Spyros slotting home his first for the day. Then Dion chimed in with the next two goals. Typically determined bullocking runs that saw him burst through the leaky opposition defence, one in the top corner and one in the bottom corner had the Brighton keeper stunned into submission. The flood gates were now open and some positional changes from the coach had defenders swapping with attackers. The front line was now applying relentless pressure and the opposition were struggling to clear the ball from their own defensive line. First Spyros, then Michael with a handy deflection, then Spyros again, and finally Tilmann all added their names to the score sheet to bring the final tally to 11 – 0.

To date it has been a near perfect start to the season with regards to the results for the team. Most pleasing though is the team spirit, the confidence the boys have gained and the good sportsmanship that each of the boys has exhibited both during and after each match.

Well done to all the boys and the coach.

Next week we meet Glen Waverley away at Larpent Reserve (62 D12) with a 10am kick-off.

Train Hard, Play Fair & Have Fun

Round 7 - U14A - Match Report

U14A Doncaster Rovers vs Bulleen 8th June

On an ideal day for soccer with no wind and bright sunshine, Bulleen came to play the “local derby” with bragging rites at stake as well as a place in the four.
The game started out with an even contest all over the field with both teams mounting attacks but falling down in front of goal. The ball was sweeping from end to end with Bulleen applying more pressure on the ball carrier and the Doncaster passing became more erratic as the half proceeded.

The more physical pressure applied by Bulleen also resulted in a few free’s for Doncaster as hands in the back were used by the defenders. Nick had a rough chance when he almost got onto a free kick but his left foot was well wide. Most of the half was spent in the Rovers half as the Bulleeen centres were on top and some through passes put our defence to the sword as many fumbles were made. The Bulleen forwards had their chances with a lot of balls in the attacking zone but not much method. Rovers defence was sporadic with only solo efforts by Nick, Michael P, and Luke keeping the ball out of the net.

Just before half time Rovers had their best scoring opportunity when Alex controlled the ball down the left and put in a great pass across to Steven on the right but he just could not control the ball and the chance passed, mopped up by the defence.

Half-time score: Rovers 0 : Bulleen 0


After half time Bulleen got further on top, with plenty of aggression at the ball this not helped by some ball watching by Rovers. The passing game almost disappeared as there were no clear winners for Rovers and teamwork became non existent. After a few minutes of constant attack, Bullen were rewarded with a loose ball in the box neatly put away to take them into the lead.

With a few rotations off the bench not a lot changed and Bulleen continued to control the game and do most of the attacking. It appeared as though Rovers had left their confidence in the change rooms as it had evapourated on the field pretty quickly. Even when Rovers had corners the ball was put into the zone but there was never any challenge on the keeper as he took the ball several metres in the clear with simple catches. The umpires whistle could not come soon enough for Rovers who took several steps backwards today. Hopefully they can take stock during the week and come out firing next weekend.

Scores at full-time: Rovers 0 : Bulleen 1

GO ROVERS !!

Round 7 - U10 Yellow - Match Report

DONCASTER ROVERS U10s

Proudly sponsored by
ATOMICA COFFEE

Rovers hit 8 again.

Saturday 7 June (home) v. Hampton.

Following our winning start to the season, we again entertained a team that proved no match for us, as we stretched our run to 6 wins.
We welcomed Ari to our team for the first time this season, minus his tonsils, and it was certainly great to see him back.
We dominated the game from the opening, and despite conceding a goal to a break up field for the first time in over 100 minutes, we still found the net 3 times before half-time through Alex, Josh and Yanni.
The same story followed in the second half, Jonathon S grabbing 2 to match 2 each from Alex, Josh and Yanni, to leave the final score 8 – 1.
We held our shape and passed the ball better as the game went on, and now look forward to a much tougher game next week, as we clock up the travelling expenses and book the pre-game overnight stay at the local Hilton, en-route to Berwick.
Thanks to Carlos for organising the social get together on Sunday, and see you at training on Wednesday, at 6pm.

Well done boys.

Next week, away v Berwick, 9.30am kick-off at Jack Thomas Reserve, Melway 108 E9.

Season:- P 6 W6 D0 L0 Gls For 31 Gls Ag 6.

C’mon the Y1s

Round 7 - U10 Blue - Match Report

DATE: 07.06.08
OPPONENTS: Richmond
LOCATION: Home Ground (Anderson Creek Reserve)

‘Lost the game but gained a lot…’

The home ground ‘curse’ continued for the Blues yet again. Counting 1 draw and 2 losses in our 3 home games and having 3 wins out of 3 in our away games makes one wonder! However, the Blues suffered a 6-1 defeat in the hands of Richmond. But to all who watched the game the score line is nothing close to what the two teams displayed on the park.

The Doncaster Blues had possession and dominated for the majority of the game, yet had only 1 goal to show for it which was succeeded in the second half after a great strike by Jack. The visitors were a lot more accurate and decisive in their finish, scoring 6 times out of their 8 visits to our half!!!

However, the positive out of this game, was that the boys played like a team. They passed accurately, they held their positions, they made some great moves and there was a lot of running up and down the field. It was unfortunate that our strikers didn’t put the ball in the net during the opening stages of the game. This is where I believe the Blues missed a few good chances. Had they done so, the result would’ve been different.

Congratulations to all the boys, for really trying hard and displaying the skills acquired from their work at training. A little work is required again on shutting down the oppositions’ strikers. Similarly, putting a lot more pressure in the mid-field is required.

Marko in goals was again alert and had a few good saves running off his line and none of the goals were his fault. Our defense with Declan, Alexander, Ethan and Billy in the opening half held their ground and got the ball out of our half passing it to the mid-fielders and using the width of the ground. Damian, Corey and Stefan had some fine moves and tried hard by pushing forward to help out our mid-fielders and strikers. Inevitably we were exposed in the back.

Our mid-fielders, with Peter and Michael in the middle and with Tim and Jake on the flanks (who were outstanding), tried hard to push the ball forward and put in some great moves. Justin and Christopher also contributed once on the park by winning the ball on many occasions and working hard to get the ball to Jack and James who were tightly marked by many defenders but both boys worked really hard to find openings and take their shot.

Had the score line been different everything would have been perfect.

Keep up the hard work!

John.