In a gripping league encounter at Brown Westhead Pitch 4 on 23 February 2025, Roebuck faced off against P S Olympic, with the match concluding in a 1-1 draw. The game kicked off at 10:45 am, showcasing a battle of wills between two determined sides, each eager to secure vital points in the league standings.
Roebuck lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, which provided a solid defensive structure while allowing for width in attack. Jack Wentworth donned the gloves in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Lewis Perry on the right, Ryan McCullagh and Cameron Cramer in central defence, and Bradley Hackett on the left. The midfield was anchored by Dan Lees and James Beddard in central roles, with Christopher Hunt and Corey Rogers providing width on the right and left flanks, respectively. Up front, Michael Woodall and Alistair Brown were tasked with leading the line as forwards, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.
The substitutes available for Roebuck included Jamie Hyde, Greg Southall, Lewis Harrison, Joe Walton, and Kevin Burns, offering a range of tactical options for the manager as the match progressed.
The first significant moment of the match arrived in the 22nd minute when Christopher Hunt opened the scoring for Roebuck. A clever flick from Dan Lees set Hunt free inside the box, and he made no mistake from close range, sending the home crowd into raptures. Roebuck's early lead was a testament to their attacking intent and ability to capitalise on chances.
However, the match took a turn for the dramatic shortly after, as Jamie Hyde was substituted on for Alistair Brown in the 35th minute. Unfortunately for Hyde, his introduction was marred by a yellow card just three minutes later, as he was cautioned for delaying the restart of play.
As the first half drew to a close, Roebuck maintained their slender lead although they were denied a clear penalty for a 2 handed push in the back on Alistair Brown and also a goal as the referee judged the ball to not have crossed the line after PS goalie Louis Davis carried a Hunt long throw over the line. The second half commenced with P S Olympic looking to respond, and their efforts were rewarded in the 54th minute when one of their players received a yellow card, indicating a more aggressive approach from the visitors.
The equaliser for P S Olympic came in the 71st minute, as they executed a well-timed lob from long range that left Wentworth with no chance. The goal shifted the momentum of the match, with both teams now vying for the win.
In a bid to regain control, Roebuck made a series of substitutions in the 72nd minute, introducing Greg Southall for Dan Lees and Lewis Harrison for Corey Rogers. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the midfield and maintain the attacking threat.
As the match progressed, Roebuck continued to make tactical adjustments, with Joe Walton coming on for Bradley Hackett in the 80th minute. The substitutions were designed to bolster their defensive solidity while still pushing for a late winner.
In a late flurry of changes, Jamie Hyde returned to the pitch in the 84th minute, replacing Michael Woodall, while Kevin Burns came on for James Beddard. Corey Rogers also re-entered the fray, taking over from Alistair Brown, as Roebuck sought to find a decisive goal in the closing stages.
However, the match ended on a sour note for Roebuck, as Ryan McCullagh was shown a yellow card for going head to head with PS Olympic’s No. 5
Ultimately, the match concluded with both teams sharing the spoils, a result that reflected the competitive nature of the encounter. Roebuck will take heart from their performance, particularly the early goal and their ability to adapt throughout the match, while P S Olympic will be pleased with their resilience in coming back to secure a point.
Ryan McCullagh was awarded the Man Of The Match award for his faultless performance in the centre of the Roebuck defence.
