G&S went in to this game on the back of 2 disheartening defeats, knowing that points were needed and quick! To be up against a team in Red Star who had easily beaten them in the run in to last seasons title race, there were some worried supporters!
This was soon out of everyone's minds though as the blues were on top from the opening minutes. John had the ball in the box after only 10 minutes and should have shot sooner but his delayed turn wass easily snuffed out. TJ shot over minutes later, but at least the attacks were there.
On 21 Rob smashed a superb cross in to the box from deep on the wing, whilst only midway in Red Star's half and John racing in powered a brilliant header just wide! Seconds later though and the oppo had nearly scored as everyone went to sleep.
TJ battled well on 25, muscled off his defender, then somehow beat the keeper to the loose ball. He was sent sprawling and somehow did not get the penalty he deserved! John shot over on 28 as Rovers were clearly in control.
On 37 however, sloppy play saw G&S 0-1 down. Chris was clearly fouled, but rather than accept the terrible decision, he bitched at the ref vacating his right back position. Thank you said the Reds as they took a quick free kick, the unmarked left winger crossed, and a lack of marking in the middle saw the goal home.
With only a minute left in the half, John fouled on the edge of the area when the wrong side iof his man. Deano saved brilliantly low to his left (despite his poorly lined up wall), but seconds later the ball was back in the box and it was 0-2. Probably the harshest scoreline of the century!
The second half started slowly as the Blues were shell shocked. A couple of subs were made to boost things before the hour mark and it soon paid dividends. James pushed the ball forward to Deji (now on and hungry for goals!) he hassled the defenders, collected, beat a couple and then rounded the keeper to walk the ball in to the net. All his hard work rewarded immediately!
On 65 Rich was through andthe keeper saved well, as he did quite a few times this half to deny Rovers. But 3 minutes later he redeemed matters with a lovely chip from a scrambled attack and Deji fired home from close range for 2-2.
Rich had yet another chance soon after, but all was forgiven seconds later. Deji returned the chip on a classic one-two, setting Rich clear on his left peg down the left of the box. He took it in his stride to fire home for 3-2 from a tough angle. What a goal and a totally deserved lead!!
Soon after Robwas through on goal to tamely shoot at the keeper. He soon made up for that when slipped through with 15 to go by Deji. He calmly side footed to the keepers right for 4-2. Cool finish!!
Deji should have had his hat trick when through twice in the last 5 minutes, his first effort was saved and, on the final whistle, his shot missed the target.
The whistle went, the points were won and the relief was clear to see. Red Star were not the same team from last year, but pressurize and battle against all teams like that today and further wins will follow!!!!!
