Report

It was a batlle between the dregs of division 4 as the mighty Rovers currently 2nd from bottom travelled out to the sticks to face 3rd from bottom Bellinis. With both teams without a win so far this season and both with poor goal differences it was a chance for both teams to get their first win.

Rovers were again hit by a number of absences and had only a bare 11, meaning certain players had to play out of position. Despite this Rovers battled hard throughout and defensively were able to deal with the Bellini attacks and also had more opportunities than in previous games to push forward and create chances - most of these would involve the Rovers midfield making use of the space they were allowed and keeping the ball moving well. After 20 minutes the pressure paid off when a corner by Adam was excellently headed home by George.

Rovers lead did not last long - Bellini scord an equaliser in timely fashion - a perfectly palced lob which even the 8 ft 2" Joey could not reach.

Despite this Rovers pushed forward and were still creating chances - most notably 2 which fell to George who failed to capitalize.

Where the first Bellini goal was intended the 2nd was more luck than anything when a mis-kicked cross headed towards goal and again sailed over the 9ft 7" keeper Joey.

At 2-1 down Rovers were still having over 50% of the play in the middle of the park. and a well placed pass from Kev (some will say this was a horrible attempt at a shot) fell in the path of Harley who took his chance well to make it 2 a piece going into half time.

2nd half was much of the same but some Rovers legs were starting to go. The jury is out on the Bellinis 3rd goal (My opinion it was a cross). Again it looped up and over the 10ft 6" Joey.

Rovers had the chance to even it up when they were awarded a penalty - up stepped Reeder currently with a 100% record at the spot - now 50% - enough said! As Reeder himself put it "It was a beautifully struck miss!!". I put it down to the nerves.

As the Rovers legs continued to fade and people started to be out os position, the Belllinis grabbed a 4th goal and it all looked over for Rovers.

Joey decided to get his own back and a perfect goal kick went the length of the pitch to bounce over the Bellini keeper to give Rovers their 3rd. Final score 4-3 to Bellinis.

Good effort from all but a few missing players on the pitch today and it would have been a different story.

Special mention to the Bellinis No:11. Had more chips on his shoulders then Ian Beale does in his F*****G chippy. Someone needs to remind this loser that we are playing Sunday league and whislt this will probably be the highest level the P***K ever plays at he really should take some anger management classes and chill out! The bellend of Bellinis!!!

Joey - GK - Nothing he could do about the 3 freak goals despite being 12ft 1". also had no chance with the 4th. Overall put in decent performance and stopped a number of Bellini chances, most notably a 1 on 1 which would have made it 5 - 2 at the time. Perfect goal kick to bag a goal, only he knows how much he intended it or not

Jamie - RB - Could tell from early on that he was suffering from some previous knocks and was forced to cover alot of ground up and down the right due to some support lacking. Defended well against all attacks and held his own against some bigger opposition. Passing was better this week.

Adam CB- Starting to look more comfortable at CB - no silly mistakes made, cleared his lines when he had too, and tried to pass it out of defence and support the midfield when he could. Couple of wayward passes or hoofs when a pass was on, but no major damage caused. Great corner for George to head home.

Phil CB- It has been a mystery why football managers never put the midgets at centre back, but now we know!!! Joking aside the little fellow held his own at the back. Got involved and broke up play and always looked to support the midfield. Sometimes drifted out of position a bit too much, but thats to be expected playing there for the first time. Even won some headers (All be it free headers!). Some adventerous long passes which did not come off, when easy passes were on.

Reeder LB- Some dodgy passes and sometimes struggled to cope with looping balls over him. Had to give him some points for the following reasons. The tantrum style kick out at Bellinis No:7 was comedy gold. He headed the ball, yes folks Andy -Handbags- , -the touch-, -The Linesman- Reeder actually headed the ball. And lastly the tackle on the Bellend Bellini was class. Funnilly enough his mouth was not running as hard after Reeders takle put him on his A**E!

NDubz RM - Fair play to Dappy, he runs up and he runs down again and again, but he has to start keeping an eye on the game more. Continued to ball watch today and on more than one occasion was not marking anyone. Going forward there needs to have much more awareness and start trying to read the game better.

Harley - Back in CM again - Had a decent game and was involved in a majority of the build up play. Added that bit of confidence in the air in the middle of the park. Took his goal well to equalise before the break. Started to push up more in the last 25 minutes, which was needed but left some gaps and the other midfielders being over-run at times.

Kev - CM - in my humble opinion his best game so far this season. For the first hour he was coninually trying to break up the Bellini play and also get involved and keep the ball moving during the Rovers build up play. Legs had had enough after the hour mark and some seriously dodgy shooting (But the pitch was not all that!!)

Lee - LM - First game for the Rovers - will he turn up again??? Had a decent game - was involved in pretty much every bit of build up and attack. Listened well for shouts from his team-mates and always looked to make the passes and move about ready to support the others. Cramp got the better of him after an hour. Which saw a few poor touches and him lose possesion sometimes. Player of team.

George - CF - Now top goal scorer(with 2) Another good 1st half, again closing down the Bellini defense when they had the ball. A lovely header to put Rovers one up. Failed to put a couple of what looked to be clear cut chances away in the first half. Again seemed to fade in the 2nd half. Lucozade needed me thinks.

Michael - CF - Seemed to struggle to get invloved - likes the ball to feet but when he received it unfortunately he was unable to make an impression. Tried to keep the ball moving the rae times he was involved, but no clear chances on goal . 2nd half dropped very deep, leaving a tired George on his tod.

Player of team given to Lee, but some improved performances today from another 4 or 5 on the pitch as well.