Doncaster Rovers vs Manningham 31st May
On a perfect day Anderson Reserve looked a picture with no wind and plenty of sunshine.
In the first 5 minutes it was obvious Doncaster were well on top with good passing and all the play in the forwards. Manningham were always under pressure and passing using the “bomb and hope” principle.
We began with Luke in goal, Chris S was sweeping, Chris T and Daniel were playing as twin Central Defenders whilst Steve and Matt V were playing as wide wing backs on the left and right respectively. Nik D played as a defensive Central Midfielder, flanked by Alex on the right and Drew on the left with Michael P and Matt D as twin strikers.
Rovers had the first two shots on goal but missed, then Nik D latched on to a loose ball about 20 metres out and buried the ball into the back of the net. Shortly after Alex deflected a shot towards goal but it was deflected over the bar by the keeper. Rovers second goal came shortly after when Alex turned his man in the box and his cross was perfectly placed into the bottom right hand corner by Michael P who was unfortunately adjudged to be offside. Rovers were well on top and started to fiddle with the ball instead of applying goal pressure, this resulted in several missed chances and some loose play that allowed Manningham to get an easy shot on goal and equalize. This was looking like a Rovers bad day, all the play and equal at half time.
Half-time score: Rovers 1 : Manningham 1
The second half the boys stepped up a gear and started to pump the Manningham defence into submission. The first two shots on goal missed but then Nick Vass’ right foot strike found the top left corner of the goal, with the assistance of the keeper who could only parry the ball into his own net. 2 – 1 to Rovers. The game could have been over during the next 5 minutes but for further missed opportunities. Drew shot over from 8 metres , Elliot, who had replaced Steven just before half time, headed too high, as did Mitch and Matt V’s shot from inside the box again went over the bar. From here on, it was all one way traffic with Rovers pressing hard and having all the play. Every time the ball went into defence Chris S, Chris T and Daniel were quick to repel. Another good cross into the box allowed Alex to put away a clean header for goal number 3.
Good passing through midfield with Nik, Alex and Drew on top gave the forwards plenty of scope to put away more goals and soon Elliot got on the end of a cross from Nik D, and clinically volleyed home with his right foot for goal number 4. The good passing was a feature by Rovers and all players were on top and playing confidently with many more shots on goal. York replaced Chris as sweeper and then moved to right back when Chris S returned and provided some drive down the right, following on from Matt V’s continual work rate. His pass to Alex created the opportunity for goal number 5. Alex collected the pass ran at the Manningham defence and passed to Nick Vass who brilliantly finished for his second goal of the half.
Two more shots on goal were missed that really could have destroyed Manningham and put the teams on relative merit.
A solid team effort and momentum is building.
Keep up the good work boys there is still the top to aim for. We are good enough.
Self belief is a wonderful thing.
Scores at full-time: Rovers 5 : Manningham 1
ROVERS - keep up the good passing, just a bit more goal scoring will help!
