U18 Doncaster Rovers vs Eastern Lions 15th May, 2011
A top of the table clash was full of promise, as both teams wanted the top dog spot, however a Ref not turning up and use of the top ground did not give the game the expected “finals atmosphere” we had come to witness.
Rovers started off with Aaron in goal, Gareth, Anthony and Nima at the back along with Loch sweeping, then Xavier, Alex and Drew midfield then Heng, Jani & Mitch up forward. Later in the game Steve, Samuel & John all came on to continue the good teamwork in the second half.
The game started out with closely contested play not allowing free space for either team.
Rovers were combining well and out of the blue Mitch put in an excellent cross to Jani who was too fast for his marker and knocked in a regulation goal past the keeper. Good start Rovers. Alex had a touch of white line fever and was knocking the ball well past any support. His tackle midway through the half had the Ref looking for a yellow card along with a whistle! John Pala had good control of the game even though the Lions coach disagreed with every decision. Xavier was really leading from the front and put in a long side line throw that Jani ran onto and clinically put Rovers second goal on the board. Lions were putting our defence under pressure but Loch, Anthony, Gareth and Nima were cool and put in many good blocks and passed the ball to our advantage from defense to attack. Lions were kicking long bombs, some out onto the road, not to their advantage. In a replay Xavier put in another long throw to Jani who got around his man to put another goal on the board. The Lions were looking very “shell shocked” as the half-time whistle blew.
Half-time score: Rovers 3 : Lions 0
The Lions were looking for an early score to put some pressure on but Rovers took the ball from the restart down the right with Jani in control to cross to Drew for a regulation bang in from the box. From this point on Lions were playing for time only as Rovers better passing and teamwork all over the ground left the Lions looking for culprits.
Shortly afterwards more good passing across the ground allowed Mitch, Jani and Drew to run the Lions defense ragged and allow Xavier to get around a couple of defenders to put away a well deserved goal from directly in front. BOOM BOOM, the Lions were looking for answers they did not have. Relying on three gun players will never defeat a good team of eleven players (plus good subs). Rovers had a number of chances to rack up further scores as Mitch had no left foot and Sammy had a crack. Eventually Lions put away a couple of consolation goals due to average sideline Refing. Plaudits to all the team as some of the new players like Gareth, continue to improve at the speed of light
The teamwork is a pleasure to watch and all the boys are getting involved in what could be a season defining start to the year.
Scores at full-time: Doncaster Rovers 5 : Eastern Lions 2
ROVERS –another terrific exhibition of teamwork and cohesive play.
Keep up the good work ethic and the rewards will continue to come your way.
Whatever Thomas is doing is working really well so keep listening and learning.
