Finally the big day had arrived where we played the top team at their home ground Wembley stadium. This was as close as most of us were going to get to Wembley so we had to make the most of it. At least the coffee was as good as a Doncaster brew.
Rovers came into the game with 2 boys out, Nik had a groin strain from last week and Dion still had a sore ankle from 2 weeks ago. We began with Luke in goal, Chris S was sweeping, Chris T and Daniel were playing as twin Central Defenders whilst Elliot and Matt V were playing as wide wing backs on the left and right respectively. Alex was Central Midfielder, flanked by Mitch on the right and Drew on the left with Michael P and Matt D as twin strikers.
The game started with both sides scrapping hard for the ball with Rovers settling quicker
and having better use of the ball. The Rovers defence was well on top and good passing out to the wings gave Rovers first use of the ball through the midfield and gave forwards a chance to put pressure on the Box Hill defence. Some good through balls gave Pala and Matt D opportunities to shoot on goal and force a corner. Play was mainly in the Box Hill half and the few times Box Hill went forwards the defence cleared the ball with ease to keep the pressure up. The Ref started to get his whistle into gear and from then on it was one puzzling decision after another for the afternoon. Finally Rovers went down the right and Matt V centered the ball where Matt D was unmarked. The keeper, fresh on was caught well out of goal and Matt D coolly lobbed the ball over the keeper into the back of the net. The Box Hill defenders were all looking for a scapegoat but all they needed was a mirror. Shortly after the Ref blew the whistle once more, this time for half time.
Half-time score: Box Hill 0 : Rovers 1
At the restart Box Hill put some pressure on our defence following a back pass and miscommunication between Chris S and Luke, which resulted in a simple tap in for one of the Box Hill Strikers. York replaced Pala and gave the forwards a bit of toe to keep the pressure on. From here on the Ref blew his whistle about every 2 minutes to make the game both hard to understand and much more stop start. Box Hill were doing a lot more attacking with several corners and shots on goal but never really set for an easy shot. The defence stood tall with Elliot, Daniel, Chris S, Chris T and Matt V continually repelling the ball. In midfield, Alex was using the ball well and competing for possession along with Mitch and Drew. Nick Vass was also making some good runs and keeping the Box Hill defense honest. Box Hill although putting on the forward pressure where Luke made a couple of good saves, were still showing signs of cracking, especially in their defense giving away some silly frees incurring the wrath of the Ref and picked up 2 yellow cards and then a Red. This card came about after Mitch was tripped heading straight for goal just outside the box. Alex took the free but did not really trouble the keeper. The game finished shortly after with the air of invincibility at Box Hill definitely blown away.
Both teams had several chances to score the winner but really it was an even match up, all day. Rovers should have a good chance to put up a better show at home in the last game of the year. Box Hill are not world beaters that’s for sure.
Scores at full-time: Box Hill 1 : Rovers 1
ROVERS – enjoy your week off because we play Malvern next and this is a BIG payback game looming!
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