After their exit from The Suffolk Primary Cup last week, it was time for Rovers to return to the serious business of League 2 action, as they hosted 3rd place, Black Eagles FC, on a sunny afternoon at the Heath.
After rotating most of his squad last week, Manager Paul Winstone, made 6 changes for this top of the table clash with, Justin McKenzie, Rob Green, Angelo Goduti, Jamie Feltner, Manu Falcao and Micky Cross all returning to the starting line up after being rested. Dave Clarke returned between the sticks after his outfield exploits last Saturday.
The match began very cautiously as both teams looked to try and get a foothold in the match and see what the other side had to offer. After a very open and even first 20 minutes, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock when Rovers were caught napping, after an Eagle's free kick was floated into the area and was expertly volleyed past Dave Clarke in the home goal.
The goal seemed to be the kick up the backside that Rovers needed as they then began to control possession and started to carve out a couple of good opportunities. They were rewarded for their efforts on the half hour mark when Jamie Feltner found the ball at his feet, out wide on the right, and then left several Eagle's defenders in his wake as he ran into the area to fire The Blues level.
Rovers found themselves ahead in the match for the first time just five minutes later, when Skipper Justin McKenzie fired home from three yards out, for his 4th goal of the season, after a low in-swinging corner zipped across the visitors goalmouth.
Eagles battled bravely for the last ten minutes of the half, as they looked to get themsleves back into the game but the half time whistle arrived without them being able to truely test the Rover's back four.
Winstone was delighted with his side's first half performance, especially their reaction to going 1 nil down in the game and demanded more of the same from his side in the second half, to hopefully claim thier 6th league win on the trot.
Rover's began the 2nd period where they had left off and soon commanded the lion's share of possession again, as they went looking for their 3rd goal of the afternoon.
That goal arrived on the hour mark. when Micky Cross was put clear of the Eagle's back four by strike partner Tiernan Boland. The experienced Rover's frontman slotted home from just inside the area to further extend his club record, as he scored in his 6th consequtive league game for Rovers.
The goal gave Rovers a little breathing space in the match as they were then able to play a little more freely as they went looking to kill the match off once and for all.
Despite their continued dominance, The Blues were unable to extend their lead any further, despite some good opportunities to do so coming their way. At the same time though they were very rarely troubled by Eagles at the other end of the pitch, as they saw out time for a comfortable win, their 6th win on the trot since their opening day defeat.
Manager Paul Winstone was over the moon with another win under The Blue's belts and another fine, battling performance from his players.
The win sees Rovers extend their lead to 3 points over their nearest rivals at the top of League 2 and to 6 points over the rest of the chasing pack.
Rover's attention now switches to a tricky away fixture next Saturday, when they travel to Beck Row for another League 2 encounter.
