Round 4: Riversdale 0 - Doncaster Rovers 7
"Doncaster Rovers Victorious at Battle of Frog Hollow"
Amongst the beautiful surrounds of Camberwell, there was a buzz as the Rovers warmed up on the lush green corners of Frog Hollow Reserve. Heartened from their close win against South Melbourne, the boys began on a bright note and took the game to Riversdale. The interplay between the back line and midfield was particularly sharp and it wasn't long before another incisive foray from Jack S. on the right wing cut through the Riversdale defence, the ensuing cross resulting in a neat finish and goal from Stefan.
The next ten minutes saw an onslaught from Rovers with Stefan shaking the woodwork and several shots on target by Alexander and Jack S.. An expertly taken free kick from Stefan in the 15th minute saw the Rovers capitalize on possession with a second goal. The impressive defensive display by Christian, Benny and James S. ensured a relatively quiet first half for Dion and allowed Rovers to continue applying pressure. Lovely combinations of passes in the midfield and confident finishes set up 3 more goals for James M., Jonathan and Nick before the young referee put lips to whistle to signal the half.
With a well deserved 5-0 score line, the Coach demanded for composure and to continue the elegant football that the boys displayed in the first 25 mins.
The second half saw Riversdale apply more pressure on the ball and a tighter game resulted. However, following advantage given for what surely was a penalty for Rovers, Alexander found the inside right post for Rovers' sixth goal. The game then opened up further with flowing runs from end to end and Spiros and Jack T creating more opportunities. Rovers' attacking gusto was somewhat tempered by the Offside rule with many of our enthousiastic goal-seeking players caught out on several occasions. At the other end, our defence was tested with Dion having to make a few saves from shots across goal, however Christian, Michael and James S.'s tireless efforts on the wings and Benny's distribution from the back line allowed for James M, Jonathan and Nick to combine for Rovers' seventh and last goal.
A beautiful display of football from the boys reminiscent of their emphatic win at Ringwood City 2 weeks ago. If the boys can sustain this type of football week in week out, they will certainly be the team to set the tone for the league.
Goals: Stefan Cicmil (3'); Stefan Cicmil (15'); James Megas (16'); Jonathan Stiliadis (19'); Nick Thyssen (25'); Alexander Humbert (30'); Nick Thyssen
(43')
Team list: Dion, James S., Ben, Christian, Jack S., Jack T., Stefan, James M., Alexander, Jonathan, Nick, Spiros, Michael.
