A sunny but windy day greeted the Rovers at the Eltham College ground that looked the worse for wear after a wet winter. There were large boggy patches through the middle of the ground that caused the ball to almost stop, this made passing more difficult as the mud factor had to be added with each kick. We were missing Connor, Ricky, Matt & Andrew. Luke was in goals, Diego sweeping, Steve & Anthony as Left & Right wing-backs respectively & Daniel as Centre – Back.Chris, John, Michael & Paul were in midfield, with Lucas & James up forward. Drew and Petar were on the pine.
The game started out with both sides defending then attacking in turn with several turn overs through the middle when the ball stopped or bounced irregularly. Paul was attracting the ball with good anticipation and several nice passes. DOC had the strong wind and pumped the ball long only to be thwarted by Luke who took many clean saves, some just in the nick of time. DOC’s confidence grew as they worked hard to be first to the ball and made some quick breaks down the wing with No 12 too quick for his opponents and set up several attacks before running onto a good through ball and crossing to the right side of the open goal for a simple tap in by the right forward. Diego for one was not impressed and let everyone know!
Ouch, Rovers were down but not out as Paul made a clean run into the forward area and shot hard to the left side of the goal. The wind just pushed the ball that little bit further left, enough to hit the left upright, the ball cannoned across the goal mouth to hit the right hand upright and bounce despairingly out of the goals!
It just was not going to be our day as Lucas had a shot that went too high.
Half-time score: DOC 1 : Rovers 0
DOC continued on from where they left off, being first to the ball and passing to men clear down each side of the ground. Rovers’ marking was sloppy and our attitude dropped off more the further the game progressed. We could not handle the wind or the pitch although there were opportunities to score we could not take advantage.
After a corner Diego made good contact with a header but it hit the cross bar. Shortly after a similar circumstance happened, this time John’s header which again, hit the cross bar.
DOC replied with more forward pressure and were rewarded for their more aggressive play with a sharp low volley that Luke got his finger tips to as it whizzed past for another goal. Rovers were going through the motions as Drew had a chance to shoot but tried to steady first and the chance was lost.
Maybe with second on the ladder already parcelled up the boys were just going through the motions.
Scores at full-time: DOC 2 : Doncaster Rovers 0
ROVERS – lets hope next week brings a more positive attitude from everyone, and that we finish off the season in a positive manner.
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
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