Rovers 1 Shaheen 1

It has taken this match reporter some time to put pen to paper or hands to the keyboard but with the thanksgiving holiday time was not on my side. Rovers battled Shaheen at Andrew Wilson school last Sunday, 8 days ago and if anyone saw the game they wouldn't believe the outcome. Rovers battered Shaheen for 94 minutes but only failed to gain a point. For times during the match it seemed that this would be a carbon copy of the last time these two sides met, with shaheen getting a 1-0 win, completely against the run of play.
as this weeks Everton v Liverpool game shows, football teams are rewarding for putting the ball in the net. Shaheen taking their only real chance that came their way, with the Rovers squandering at least 11 good opportunities to score. The first great chance came when Eoin played in Bryce, he went easily past their defenders and came into the box. His angle was poor and Brodie was steaming into the box un marked. Bryce went for the shot and it was wide and the pass was on. The rovers kept up the dominace with Shaheen not able to live with Bryce. Brodie robbed the fulll back moments later and played in Bryce who had his shot charged down by the goalie, again his angle was difficult. Another good move from Gibbs to Brodie to Bryce saw the strikers third one on one foiled. Gibbsy had a good shot from distance. Kieran then made a clever in the box only to be completely tripped up, the ref was right on the spot but waived it away. I suppose their was a bit of justice in that decision as a potential Rovers handball in the box by stand in center back Lawton also was turned down by the ref. Nigel hit a free kick over the bar, while Kieran juggled one to himself but the goalie saved reasonably well in this case
Little Joe was doing well at right back however Shaheen's only move of the game came down that side. Their tricky winger played a good ball down their left and the forward crossed the ball with the oustide of his boot to striker who had an easy tap in past Ben. The Rovers couldn't believe. Of course, two players, just like in the last game, celebrated by leaving the field of play.
The Rovers continued to dominate but when into the half 1-0 down.
The second half was more of the same. Shaheen couldn't live with Bryce, his runs taking them right at the goalies mouth, and they were resorted to cruel challenges on him, most of the time he avoided them to find himself one on one with the keeper. Bryce rounded the keeper after Jose played him through but he couldn't pull the back into the empty net. Brodie missed a sitter after a good cross by Kieran, He should have taken another touch and put the ball on his right foot, instead hitting the ball with his weaker left. Brodie again went over the bar moments later and his third attempt, was a weak shot that left the goalie untroubled. Brodie hit the bar with a cross/cum shot that Eoin almost scored from the rebound. Finally the Rovers got the break. A great free kick was floated in to find Nigel on the end of. Nigels got his head on it and placed the ball over the keeper. Jose almost won it when his header hit the post and was cleared off the line. The little Spaniard was in fine form creating as he does best.
Shaheen looked dangerous at times on the counter, the Rovers were so on top, by Jonathan, Curt and Cameron/Joe and Eoin did well to stop any threats.
The Rovers can't wait for the third and final meeting between these clubs.

MOM; Byrce, didn't score but worked so damm hard for the entire match and caused Shaheen so many problems. Honarable mention goes to myself..should have scored but actually played well for a change
Pitch: Size is perfect for the Rovers. not to big and not to small (which is what she said)
Ref: Thin skinned little shit.