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.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
U18 Match Reports - rounds 1 & 2
U18 Knox vs Doncaster Rovers 1st May, 2011
On an overcast day with rain threatening Rovers travelled over to Knox to play on the back pitch with plenty of rough patches of ground to keep the ball bouncing around all day. After a recent practice match against Knox which we lost 4 – 1, a better all round team effort was called for by new coach Thomas.
Rovers started off with Aaron in goal, Gareth, Anthony (5) and Steve at the back along with Loch sweeping, then Xavier, Alex and Drew midfield then Anthony (20), Jani & Mitch up forward. Later in the game Mima, Heng & Samuel all came on to boost the team output.
The game started out at a fast pace with Rovers having more of the play but failing to convert some good opportunities. The defence was standing firm and the midfield on top as the forwards had three chances to score but missed each time. The only mystery was who the hell was Mick, as Knox kept calling his name every time they got the ball, were they a one man team? Either that or they had 10 Mick’s in the team! It was then Knox’s turn to miss a couple of sitters from only 10 metres out with kicks that were aimed at the moon. Boys it’s not rocket science to kick the ball low at goal!
Rovers continued to look dangerous as they combined better and put the Knox defence under a lot of pressure. Soon we were rewarded with a good shot on goal by Anthony to get the Ref’s pencil busy. This was the only scorecard at the ground. After several corners a good cross in was rewarded with a crisp header by Lochie into the back of the net. Then it was Knox’s turn to score after a lack of a cohesive defence by the boys allowed an easy kick from the box. More good play from Rovers saw Steve put in a well weighted cross to Drew who got around a couple and was brought down in the box from behind just as he was shooting. Anthony took the penalty shot and drilled it.
Half-time score: Knox 1 : Rovers 3
Both teams were making more earnest attacks on goal with end to end football. Drew made a good run from out on the wing getting around several defenders to shoot on goal and bounce off the upright. Knox replied with some good play from No 9 (Mick??) who chipped the ball over Aaron into the goal. The game tightened up momentarily until more attacking play from a Steve free kick saw Mitch swoop on a loose ball and goal again.
After more Rovers corners Lochie’s header for goal was a stand out that nearly burnt a hole in the net! Lindsay was wondering if Loch needed any boots as he was always using his head. To top this off Loch latched onto a loose ball 20 metres out and with a blasting kick absolutely buried it, giving the keeper no chance. Lindsay was busy eating his words! All players were combining well with good foot skills for the most part considering the poor surface, and deserved to win by a good margin. With a boost to their confidence and a home game next week the boys are looking to get off to a good start to the season.
Scores at full-time: Knox 2 : Doncaster Rovers 6
ROVERS –well done boys, a good start to the season with quality team play all day.
U18 Doncaster Rovers vs Waverley Wanderers 8th May, 2011
On an overcast and windy Mothers day with showers before the game Rovers were at home to Waverley on the main ground. It was good to be under shelter again with the sweet aroma of decent coffee and good tucker available from the canteen.
Rovers started off with Aaron in goal, Gareth, Lucas and Steve at the back along with Loch sweeping, then Xavier, Alex and Drew midfield then Anthony, Jani & Mitch up forward. Later in the game Mima, Heng & Samuel all came on to continue the good teamwork in the second half.
The game started out with very stilted play as long bombs were the order of the day along with many free kicks and side line throw ins. The defence was looking solid and the midfield were well on top but the kicks were mostly too long as the forwards had little chance to capitalize on a loose Waverley defence. After several better passages of play a good cross to Anthony allowed him to get around his close checking opponent and while running full speed at goal boot a solid curling left footer past the Waverley keeper. Nice goal! Soon after this the Waverley keeper bought down a Rovers player and Anthony took the free but the goal was disallowed and the kick reversed. ??? Lucky Rovers just got on with the game and did not complain. Soon Rovers were cutting holes in the Waverley defence as Drew put in a soft pass in front of Anthony who beat the keeper and dribbled the rest of the way, 10 metres in the clear.
Another good through ball to Drew and a repeat well weighted pass to Anthony saw yet another goal on the board just as the half time whistle sounded.
Half-time score: Rovers 3 : Waverley 0
All the Rovers players were on top and now passing the ball to each other with only the occasional bomb from Waverley interrupting the good play on display.
Waverley had a couple of chances but the finish was poor. Gareth, Lucas, Loch and Steve were able to pass the ball across the backline at will and set up some good midfield play where Xavier and Alex were controlling play. Drew, Anthony and Mitch all had chances to score and soon Drew was able to dance around several defenders and kick a nice low shot into the corner of the net. Waverley finally got on the scoreboard with a good run down the left flank by “Eddie” to put a crack shot around the diving Aaron who had made several good saves during the game. Finally a long bouncing ball eluded the Waverley defenders and allowed Mitch to swoop and lob over the keepers head for a final score for the day.
I guess we were not left wondering how good Waverley were!
Scores at full-time: Doncaster Rovers 5 : Waverley Wanderers 1
ROVERS –another consistent effort all day only spoilt by some over zealous kicking in the first half . Keep working on the team play and you will perform well under pressure when we play some of the better teams.
On an overcast day with rain threatening Rovers travelled over to Knox to play on the back pitch with plenty of rough patches of ground to keep the ball bouncing around all day. After a recent practice match against Knox which we lost 4 – 1, a better all round team effort was called for by new coach Thomas.
Rovers started off with Aaron in goal, Gareth, Anthony (5) and Steve at the back along with Loch sweeping, then Xavier, Alex and Drew midfield then Anthony (20), Jani & Mitch up forward. Later in the game Mima, Heng & Samuel all came on to boost the team output.
The game started out at a fast pace with Rovers having more of the play but failing to convert some good opportunities. The defence was standing firm and the midfield on top as the forwards had three chances to score but missed each time. The only mystery was who the hell was Mick, as Knox kept calling his name every time they got the ball, were they a one man team? Either that or they had 10 Mick’s in the team! It was then Knox’s turn to miss a couple of sitters from only 10 metres out with kicks that were aimed at the moon. Boys it’s not rocket science to kick the ball low at goal!
Rovers continued to look dangerous as they combined better and put the Knox defence under a lot of pressure. Soon we were rewarded with a good shot on goal by Anthony to get the Ref’s pencil busy. This was the only scorecard at the ground. After several corners a good cross in was rewarded with a crisp header by Lochie into the back of the net. Then it was Knox’s turn to score after a lack of a cohesive defence by the boys allowed an easy kick from the box. More good play from Rovers saw Steve put in a well weighted cross to Drew who got around a couple and was brought down in the box from behind just as he was shooting. Anthony took the penalty shot and drilled it.
Half-time score: Knox 1 : Rovers 3
Both teams were making more earnest attacks on goal with end to end football. Drew made a good run from out on the wing getting around several defenders to shoot on goal and bounce off the upright. Knox replied with some good play from No 9 (Mick??) who chipped the ball over Aaron into the goal. The game tightened up momentarily until more attacking play from a Steve free kick saw Mitch swoop on a loose ball and goal again.
After more Rovers corners Lochie’s header for goal was a stand out that nearly burnt a hole in the net! Lindsay was wondering if Loch needed any boots as he was always using his head. To top this off Loch latched onto a loose ball 20 metres out and with a blasting kick absolutely buried it, giving the keeper no chance. Lindsay was busy eating his words! All players were combining well with good foot skills for the most part considering the poor surface, and deserved to win by a good margin. With a boost to their confidence and a home game next week the boys are looking to get off to a good start to the season.
Scores at full-time: Knox 2 : Doncaster Rovers 6
ROVERS –well done boys, a good start to the season with quality team play all day.
U18 Doncaster Rovers vs Waverley Wanderers 8th May, 2011
On an overcast and windy Mothers day with showers before the game Rovers were at home to Waverley on the main ground. It was good to be under shelter again with the sweet aroma of decent coffee and good tucker available from the canteen.
Rovers started off with Aaron in goal, Gareth, Lucas and Steve at the back along with Loch sweeping, then Xavier, Alex and Drew midfield then Anthony, Jani & Mitch up forward. Later in the game Mima, Heng & Samuel all came on to continue the good teamwork in the second half.
The game started out with very stilted play as long bombs were the order of the day along with many free kicks and side line throw ins. The defence was looking solid and the midfield were well on top but the kicks were mostly too long as the forwards had little chance to capitalize on a loose Waverley defence. After several better passages of play a good cross to Anthony allowed him to get around his close checking opponent and while running full speed at goal boot a solid curling left footer past the Waverley keeper. Nice goal! Soon after this the Waverley keeper bought down a Rovers player and Anthony took the free but the goal was disallowed and the kick reversed. ??? Lucky Rovers just got on with the game and did not complain. Soon Rovers were cutting holes in the Waverley defence as Drew put in a soft pass in front of Anthony who beat the keeper and dribbled the rest of the way, 10 metres in the clear.
Another good through ball to Drew and a repeat well weighted pass to Anthony saw yet another goal on the board just as the half time whistle sounded.
Half-time score: Rovers 3 : Waverley 0
All the Rovers players were on top and now passing the ball to each other with only the occasional bomb from Waverley interrupting the good play on display.
Waverley had a couple of chances but the finish was poor. Gareth, Lucas, Loch and Steve were able to pass the ball across the backline at will and set up some good midfield play where Xavier and Alex were controlling play. Drew, Anthony and Mitch all had chances to score and soon Drew was able to dance around several defenders and kick a nice low shot into the corner of the net. Waverley finally got on the scoreboard with a good run down the left flank by “Eddie” to put a crack shot around the diving Aaron who had made several good saves during the game. Finally a long bouncing ball eluded the Waverley defenders and allowed Mitch to swoop and lob over the keepers head for a final score for the day.
I guess we were not left wondering how good Waverley were!
Scores at full-time: Doncaster Rovers 5 : Waverley Wanderers 1
ROVERS –another consistent effort all day only spoilt by some over zealous kicking in the first half . Keep working on the team play and you will perform well under pressure when we play some of the better teams.
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