Cup time again on Remembrance Sunday when we remember all the brave soldiers we have lost in all wars, past & present, who have given up their lives so we can live safe in our own homes!
This was the 2nd Round of the main league cup, the Dewar Shield, & Rovers saw themselves up against lower league opposition in Clifton of division 3.
After the silence, met well by all players, the game commenced & G&S knew they were to be in for a busy day against a ‘hefty’ line up. The 1st attack fell to Clifton but the forward shot tamely & Keith easily blocked.
Rovers were creating more this week but the chances were not being stuck away. Jo & George both firing tamely goalwards on more than 1 occasion.
The deadlock was broken in quick sucession on 15 & 20 minutes as TJ was twice brought down in the area, both resulting in ‘Captain Cool’, Robbie, tucking both the Penalties awarded to the keeper’s right for 1-0, then 2-0. This was really the beginning of the end for Clifton as they started to lose their heads a bit.
On the half hour the Clifton net was bulging again for 3-0 as Rich, again dominant at the back with his trusty comrades James, Jake, ‘man of the match’ Dario (the back tackling demon!), headed forward from their clearance. Lewis picked it up just inside their half, burst forward taking on all-comers, before drifting in to the box and hammering home, with a slight deflection, to warrant all his hard work.
The second half started 3-0 & remained so for some time, with again poor finishing the watch word. Deji was brought on for Jo, who was hovering on a knife edge with yet another booking for what used to be a good, hard challenge, but is now being classed as dangerous play with studs showing. A lesson we all need to learn, especially when we are winning so comfortably.
Deji was soon in to action & was put through by Lewis. One on one with the keeper, he ‘gave him the eye’, & it was 4! Lakey was brought on for a cameo & with the little action he saw, the class was still there & he set up Deji for a tap in for 5-0.
Robbie was then to bag a second hat-trick in 2 weeks! James played the ball up to him (now on the right), he cut inside & fired low & hard past the keeper’s flailing left hand.
There was still time for the awesome ‘goal machine’ Deji to also bag a hat-trick. Robbie had a shot cleared off the line (that may have croseed but was not awarded). Deji was alert to smash home the rebound from within the 6yd box to round the game off at 7-0.
Rovers were lucky to keep a clean sheet when a header was tucked in to the bottom corner, but ruled out for offside. But their clear dominance deserved the shut out & it was a good win. It should have been more, but the shooting boots will definitely need to be on for next week’s massive 2nd round London FA Cup match that is for sure!!!!!!!!
