Rovers 2 SSF 1

The Rovers pre-season was a bit patchy to say the least. Trainings were fast and furious with Rovers players returning to full training in late July with full training going in early August. Scrimmages in the blistering heat against Mexican sides gave the gaffer an opportunity to look at his returning crop of players along with some new faces.

During one of the training sessions, the gaffer felt that the “Rovers were only 6 new players away from greatness” and that he was scouring the Peninsula looking for the magic 6. The Rovers ended up making 4 new additions to the squad and all four featured on the Rovers first match of the season against SSF.

Erik Larson, “Jonathan” (he is Brazilian so he only has one name), Chris Butcher and Cameron all made their full Rovers debut in a game that was played in the heat of De Anza. At kick off the temp on the filed must have been near 100 and the Rovers started on the back foot. For some reason the passing that was their the previous week escaped them. It was no surprise that the Rovers found themselves behind after a stonewall pk after Jose handled the ball in the box. Quite what Jose was doing in our box is anyone’s guess. The pk was converted with aplomb and the Rovers found themselves behind.

That was about it for SSF for the rest of the half. The Rovers dominated proceedings from this point on with the back four of Joe, Erik, Jonathan and new captain Lawton doing a great job of stopping the attacks. Paulie came in the middle of the field and his work rate really helped the side. The Rovers won a free kick just outside the box after Jose was fouled. Nigel and Paulie were keen to take it but the left footer won out and his weak effort struck the wall. In the clearance the ball dropped to the Irishman who was about 35 yards from goal. He went through the defense beating about 4 players on his way and slipped the ball around the advancing keeper. It was 1-1 to Rovers and they were on top.

Moments later Brodie hit the post from 22 yards with a fine chip that had the goalie beat but not the post. Bryce also went close but his shot just hit the post. The Gaffer threw on Jonathan to hold the ball up in the middle of the field (and hold it up, and hold it up, and hold it up) and it was hustle which earned the Rovers a spot kick. Jonathan was bundled over going for a bull and the ref had no choice. Up stepped a very confident Nigel Thomas who calmly slotted the ball to close to the keeper but Gaffer Gibbs (who was enjoying a fine game in the middle) slotted in the rebound. The Rovers should and could have added to their lead after fine build up play by Jose and Paulie but the Jose “shot” was scuffed.

The second half started and the Rovers were under some pressure. The Rovers had to make some last ditch tackles but a goal seemed inevitable after the ball fell to the SSF forward with only Ben to beat. Ben dove at the players feet making a fine stop and Jonathan blocked the rebound.

During the last 15 minutes the Rovers started to regain their composure and should have gone ahead further when Jose played in Brodie who’s shot was hit over the bar. New boy Chris butcher also hit a venomous shot that the goalie did well to save. Jose had a few chances himself to score but never could get the ball on target.
The drama continued with SSF going down in the box in the last seconds. It could have gone either way but it would have been very harsh on the Rovers.

MOM: Paulie, excellent all round display, great goal and work rate
Ref: Did ok but not much to do. Supported well by his assistants
Weather: HotNew Boys: Minus Jonathans shorts and socks pretty impressive stuff all round from the dynamic duo