U18 Match Report - round 4

U18 Glen Waverley 1 vs Doncaster Rovers 22nd May, 2011

Another near top of the table clash between Second & Third was held at the Nth GW ground with a strong Northerly wind blowing straight down the ground favouring Rovers in the first half.
Rovers started off with Aaron in goal, Gareth, Anthony and Nima at the back along with Johnny sweeping, then Xavier, Alex S and Mitch in the midfield with Sam, Jani & Anthony up forward. Loch & Drew were out and on the pine were Alex, Steve, Michael & Aiden.
This was to be an interesting contest as some were saying Loch was the key to our defense!!
The game started out with each team having chances to score but Rovers were pushing the ball too long with the wind and a lot of balls went out over the backline. GW hit the upright twice as their centre forward created a lot of play. Aaron made several fine saves that saved at least one certain goal. In a repeat of last weeks good play Xavier put in a long throw that favoured Jani who lobbed the ball over the keepers head for our first goal.
Rovers were passing the ball around to each other whereas GW were putting in long bombs to their No9 but he had two or three to beat most times. A couple of heavy showers swept the ground and the keeper missed a straight forward header by Anthony to take us further ahead. Just before half-time Rovers received a free about 30 metres from goal that was well taken by Johnny and beat everyone to put Rovers in a winning position.

Half-time score: Glen Waverley 0 : Doncaster Rovers 3

After the break Rovers applied more pressure with some crisp passing and good runs down both wings by Sammy and Mitch to set up many opportunities. The first goal after half-time was well constructed by Sammy who turned his man, ran down the left then crossed to the unmarked Anthony for a regulation goal from directly in front. Shortly afterwards Xavier put in a good pass in front of Mitch who beat his man ran down the wing and crossed perfectly to Sammy, who banged in another goal to keep GW completely nonplussed. GW were still attacking but their play fell apart near goal with the defenders scrambling well and Aaron again making several fine saves. Johnny set up the next goal by side stepping his opponent then passing to Jani who beat the goalie easily.
In another exciting piece of play Mitch headed a bouncing ball over his marker and then beat the goalie pointless to run into an open goal for yet another score. All the Rovers players were combining well and looking for each other. It was a very good brand of football that should make Rovers a team to be feared for the rest of the season. GW had some very good players but they could not link together well and were always looking for the long through ball to make a score.

Scores at full-time: Glen Waverley 0 : Doncaster Rovers 7

ROVERS –another terrific exhibition of teamwork and cohesive play.
All the players should have had a mention as everyone including the reserves put in a top rate performance. Keep working on your passing and teamwork!!!