G&S returned to Flamingo Park on a boiling hot Sunday for their second of 4 pre season friendlies at their temporary home.
Against much tougher opposition than last week, the Blues started well but were indebted to debutant keeper ‘Os’ as he smothered a few first half chances presented to the Melbourne attack.
On 10 minutes however a superb cross field chip by Frenchie was inch perfect for Lakey inside the left back. He controlled it with ease in his path before smashing it beyond the hapless Reds keeper for 1-0.
For most of the half Rovers handled what was thrown at them and it was good to see a more resolute defensive effort, especially from set pieces. On 35 minutes TJ chased down a lost cause from a lovely Robbie cross. His perseverance nearly paid as he lobbed his defender before working the keeper. The ball bounced loose to Ant who was surely to make it two, but somehow shot wide with the goal gaping!
Rovers then went to sleep and paid dearly for their sloppiness. The ball was pumped up in to Rovers’ half (as it had been for much of the game by the ‘Wimbledonesque’ higher league team), controlled on the volley – disappointingly unchallenged by any Blue player – 2 keepy uppies and volleyed beyond Os who had no chance of reaching the top corner. A great goal but one Rovers might have done better with.
In the dying seconds of the half TJ burst down the right and laid a lovely cross straight to Ant only to see his header go wide, again when it seemed easier to score. 1-1 half time and a much needed drink in the exhausting August heat!
The next major action was on 57 minutes when Ant was again slipped through only to shoot wide (maybe some new boots are required Mr Yusuf or a better ‘lucky charm’!). On 63 Luca was at his best to tackle the Red 11 when clean through and a certain scorer (a tackle even admired by the referee!). Minutes later Ant was brought down outside the box and Jo was unlucky to see his curling, dipping free kick ping off the outside of the post.
Then finally the much deserved Rovers breakthrough. Man of the man candidate Os blasted a kick from his area. It squirmed its way through to Lakey who deftly beat one man with his enchanting first touch, stumbled, but still managed to squeeze it under the Melbourne sticksman for 2-1!
On 90 a bursting run from Rich through midfield. He chipped forward to John who calmly chested the ball before volleying home a brilliant debut goal low to the keepers right! 3-1!
Time to relax now and with seconds of extra time left Dario could have made it 4-1 but was rebutted by the keeper when clean through.
A far better performance than last week with a 3-1 win against tougher, more senior opposition. Set pieces almost sorted but just a bit more passing and less errors which I am sure will be ironed out in training and the next 2 friendlies!
