Extended Season Game 1

The Hoppers must have been shaking in their boots when the draw was made in the first ever Champions League Peninsula Soccer League cup. When they saw the Rovers Soccer Club come up as their first game, knowing that they had scored 8 last year, and had two 6-0 victories over the same side I’m sure they were having regular team meeting on how to overcome the Rovers.

That being said the Rovers actually started brightly in the first 20 minutes of this match. The Hoppers lined up with 10 players for this period and the Rovers dominated the proceedings. Recent signing, Ian Grivosti from Liverpool was placed in a unfamiliar role of left midfield. He was actually asked to defend a bit which was hard work for a player that likes to “gamble” in attack. The Rovers were finding space behind the Hoppers back line as Grivo was caught offiside twice in early succession, once after a nice ball by Brodie and the second one after a clever flick from Byrce. Bryce also hit a fantastic shot that hit the post while Olly’s free kick was well held by the goalie even though Ian gave him a kick for having the adeucity to hang onto the ball.

Once the Hoppers 11th man showed up the game started to change and the Hoppers quickly got out in front with a well worked call down the middle. Ben was given no chance. Ben continued his fine form however saving on a couple of one on one situations that kept Rovers in reach. The second goal game in as the Hoppers were just to quick for the Rovers. At this point, with the game going to halftime 2-0 was a respectful score-line. Then as the Hoppers player was on goal he clearly handled the ball, recovered and slotted the ball home. Only the ref did not see it, but wait, he actually had seen it. He told our defense that he did handle the ball but it was not intentional, which frankly is a stupid comment. What handball is intentional.
The Rovers battled in the second half for about 25 minutes but once the 4th goal went in the floodgates opened. It was 7 or 8 by the time all was said and done.