It would have been good to be back home, under the grandstand to witness the next test for the U18 team who were growing into a formidable unit, gaining poise and confidence with each passing week. However it was our turn to play in “Siberia”, that is the top ground, just when the wind was blowing a cold lot of air from Antarctica under very overcast skies. At least it was not raining!
This week’s game was against another contender for Second on the ladder, with Manningham having lost one more game but having the better goal difference. We had to win. Rovers started with Luke in goals, Diego sweeping, Johnny & Daniel as twin Central Defenders, James & Steven as right and left wing-backs respectively, Anthony, Michael & Connor in Midfield, with Ricky & Drew up forward. Matt & Paul D were both sick, whilst Paul F was still injured.
It soon became apparent why Manningham had less goals kicked against it with a 5 man defense and long bombs to the forwards the order of the day. Rovers were soon on the attack with a couple of near misses as Drew and Ricky almost headed a goal, then Ricky had several shots over the bar or directly at the keeper. Meanwhile the defense was as mean as ever with Daniel, Johnny, Diego, Steve, James and Luke all neutralizing any ‘Ham attacks and sending the ball forwards to keep the ‘Hams squealing like pigs. The Ref was not impressed and issued a yellow card. Meanwhile Rovers squandered several good chances with all shots wide, overplayed or over the bar. Rovers were clearly on top but could not put the score on the board. It was frustrating to look on from the side lines, at least the ‘Hams were not getting past Luke who was a real “Cool Hand” once again.
We had several more chances but four off-sides for the half were killing us.
Half-time score: Rovers 0 : Manningham 0
After the break Rovers came out all guns blazing to get a score on the board and in a blink Drew had the bouncing ball under control in the box, got past the keeper and into the back of the net closely followed by a despairing defender! GOAL, Rovers had finally breached the defense and looked to get further ahead. The ball was going from end to end with Rovers looking far more likely to score. On one occasion Luke pulled off a big save crashing with ‘Ham no 4 and getting the free. Rovers kept on attacking with better passing to the feet (see Steve) and more control all over the ground. We had several more good chances with Ricky offside, Connor shooting from too far out along with a few mates. Their keeper also did a good job, keeping Rovers at bay.
Chris, Andrew Lucas and Petar all came on to boost our control over the game, however the next goal proved to be very elusive. Perhaps it was because the gloom was taking over with the lights coming on late in the game just so we could all see the other end of the ground. With Rovers still attacking the Ref blew his whistle to signal the end of the game with Rovers in front but the score line could have been more flattering, we should have scored at least 3 or 4 goals during the game. A win is a win and we are now a game and goal difference ahead of third place, so we can concentrate on a good game plan and more wins to follow.
Scores at full-time: Rovers 1 : Manningham 0
ROVERS – a very good team effort today boys, against a very defensive outfit.
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
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