After their great away day in Bacton last weekend, Rovers welcomed, joint early leaders, Barons FC to The Heath.Rovers were hoping to build on their fine away win last Saturday, whilst Barons were hoping to keep their 100% start to the season in tact.
Rovers were forced to make one change from last Saturday's side, with Manu Falcao coming in at left midfield, replacing Lee Glacken, who was up in Newcastle taking part in The Great North Run.
Wearing thier change strip of all blue, Rovers began the game steadily, as did their visitors, as the first 20 minutes of the match was a very tentative affair, with both defences very much on top. The Blues tried to play their football and at times knocked the ball around superbly but were missing that cutting edge when the ball got into the final third. Barons certainly had their fair share of the ball too and will count themselves unlucky not to have taken the lead in the first half with a few great long range efforts. Despite both sides not being afraid to venture forward, the first half ended in stalemate, which was a fair reflection of the first half proceedings.
Manager, Paul Winstone, was very happy with his side's performance and effort so far, so sent the Blues out for the second half without any changes to personel, looking for a repeat of the first half, hoping that they could put away one of their chances, when the situation arose.
Despite his optimism, Rovers began the second half slowly, and for the first ten minutes of the half, they looked a little sluggish and heavy footed. Then, just on the hour mark, came the turning point of the match. Rover's seemed to get a second wind and suddenly began to find their passes quickly and acurately. It was in such circumstances that they moved forward, with relative ease, culminating with Micky Cross finding the ball at his feet on the edge of the Baron's area, taking one step to the side, to wrong foot the visitors defence, and beating the Baron's keeper in fine style.
That goal seemed to inspire Rovers further and within 5 minutes of going ahead, Rovers doubled their lead when substitute, Ian Murfit, fired in from close range, after the Baron's defence were unable to clear their lines.
Going 2 down so quickly seemed to knock the stuffing out of the visitors and, with 15 minutes to go, Rovers wrapped up all 3 points when striker, Tiernan Boland, scored from 10 yards out, after showing great composure in the box, to pick his spot.
After the game Paul Winstone again praised his players for their effort and committment and was overjoyed with the win against a good Barons side. Rovers also set a club record, believe it or not, as for the first time in their short history, they kept 2 successive clean sheets.
The win puts Rovers second in the table, 3 points behind Tollgate Inn FC, having played a game less than the early league leaders, and sets up a top of the table clash next Saturday, when Rovers play host to Tollgate at the Heath.
