The third match of the season saw G&S meet Eltham Park away in SE9 in their own divisional cup.
The Blues got off to a very slow start & were punished within 5 minutes when, unmarked, then pushed over in the box they conceded a needless penalty. Ben had no chance – game on & time to wake up!
G&S soon bounced back however as they were jolted in to life. Deji rose to just head wide from a quick throw on 7 minutes. Soon after the game exploded & Luca set a captain’s example by not retaliating to clear provocation, only to see himself penalised...strange!
Then the breakthrough on 15 mins as Rich neatly set up TJ who calmly chipped the keeper from close range for 1-1. The same combination almost clicked again on 23 when an excellent cross from Rich just missed TJ’s soaring attempt to reach the ball. Jo then saw a long range smash deflect & the ball was theatrically juggled by the keeper.
The Blues were on top now & starting to play football which was ripping Eltham apart. Pressure on the left saw a throw launched by Robbie. Deji used all his height to stretch, flick & was rewarded as his effort flew in to the top corner for 2-1. Soon after Chris should have sewed the game up as Lewis masterfully jinked through a couple of late lunges, dropped his shoulder & generously slipped Chris in. Alas the finish did not match the run.
With the half coming to a close, the game was almost won. On 45 Rich smashed a drive from 20 yards goalbound, only to see a clear hand stopping it from reaching it’s target. Lewis was selected & calmly tucked the resultant Penalty kick away. 3-1 became 4-1 within 60 seconds as TJ slipped Deji in for an easy right foot tap in.
Eltham were beaten & became riled but skill came out on top as wild tackles were ridden well to save possible injury as the half ended.
Totally in control again Rovers stepped up a gear with a new found vigour/confidence. A superb move down the left saw Rich & Rob set up TJ but his effort was blocked for a corner. From the set piece there was mayhem as G&S saw shot after shot blocked as Eltham weathered the siege.
Lewis was determined not to let the pressure not bring results & on 57 burst from his own half, ran 40 yards dodging all tackles before brilliantly setting Deji for a cool finish. Having rounded the keeper, he made it 5-1 left footed for a TRUE hat trick!!!
Soon after the substitutes were made and deserved rests for Deji, Rich & Lew. But the pressure was still being applied by the Rovers machine. Jo was denied twice on 59 & 85 firstly as his headed effort from a corner & then a direct free kick were both cleared off the line.
Only minutes left & Luca was determined ‘a la JT’ to get his revenge for the first half misdemeanours. His superb run & shot going agonisingly wide.
Ben had not been that busy but had performed well, including a few brave lunges at Eltham feet. Almost on time he performed what looked like a ‘miraculous Banksy style match winner’! The ball was smashed goal bound from within the 6 yard box. As the Eltham player wheeled away to celebrate a late consolation, Ben flung himself & an even longer right hand towards the ball to repel it & keep the score at 5-1. There was more late action in the Blues’ area which saw the inebriated keeper come up for a corner. He was to pay dearly however as the ever aware TJ put on the burners as it was cleared. He headed towards the unguarded area, beating flailing legs of embarrassed defenders before nudging the ball across for Ant to slide in a brave finish. 6-1 and well deserved!!
