Rovers gain revenge for an earlier pre season defeat

Match Report from Dave Neil 

The game got off to a disastrous start and within 20 minutes due to some lack lustre defending Rovers were 2 nil down. This was only the 2nd pre season game and 4 weeks after the first one so with new players it was like starting again and it showed.

 However Rovers started to work the ball and gradually got on top with some committed and at times neat football. Ben Lacey and Dan Flower paired up front for the first time started to link up well and with the physical presence of Rob Banfield and Tom Evans in the centre of midfield the opportunities came. Ben Lacey scored two very well worked goals, the second a clever piece of individualism and skill. The third soon came when Dan Flower latched on to a pass and scored one of his trademark goals a shot from 25 myards out curling around the keeper and into the net.

With 6 changes made at half time it was always going to be difficult to maintain the momentum gained in the second half. Howver the lads contained the game well and even scored with Rob "Banner" Banfield deservedly scoring after some good pressure from  Morgan and Hailston up front . He then went on to recieve a kick in the head and had to recieve treatment to a nasty cut. The Mangoes palyer was subsequently sent off. Rovers could of made it 5 but unfortunately the penalty awarded was saved by the keeper.

This was a good performance from the squad and in particular the centre back pairing of Lidford and Croydon after only 2 games is starting to look solid. The new players have come in and added quality to this team. The team spirit is starting to come and the players are gelling. Its looking very optimistic for the new season. We are very happy and the lads are enjoying their football

Squad. Nolan, Mills, Lidford, Croydon, Marner, Evans, Banfield, Harrington(capt), Farmer, Lacey, Flower, Whiitock, Smale, Hailston.Morgan, Rideout, Chivers, Neil