Rovers increase gap at top!

Rovers 6-3 Stafford Utd.
As Warren Town dropped two points in a 0-0 with Hilliers. Grange Rovers took a deserved 3 points.

Stafford Utd presented with seven players which made this a 7-a-side match. This meant that three Rovers player had to wait on the bench and it was typical of the team ethic of the boys in orange that there was no complaint from anyone, either those who started as subs or those who gave way to them.

Aware of the pace of the red attack and the strength and passing ability of their midfield, Rovers lined up with a familiar back line of George, Shaun and Jack B all of whom did a splendid job in limiting United's chances, although an early lapse led to a penalty for hand ball. Tom was blameless as Jacob netted to make to put the Reds one up.

It wasn't long before Rovers levelled through the unstoppable goal machine which is Alfie and Rovers finished the half 2-1 up after he slotted his second.

Soon after the restart Rovers were pegged back by an excellent effort from Cameron but regained the advantage through a goal of the season contender from Jack F whose run from left back to score at the back stick was all about his reading of the game and the awesome passing and movement of pretty much everyone else on the pitch at that point.
Almost immediately Rovers were pegged back once more.

At 3-3 to have a bench as strong as Chris and Brad had at that point, bringing on Jack B and George to shore up the defence and Alfie to run at the tiring reds, is a luxury that is afforded Rovers because of the loyalty and dedication of the whole squad.

These substitutions proved key as United failed to get another shot on target and after a fine Dorrell effort put Rovers ahead, Alfie claimed another two to seal the match.

Given the nature of the performance it is worth taking a moment to reflect on every players contribution.

Tom- Safe as houses and as brave as ever, some excellent saves.
George- Made it hard for the Stafford Utd right midfield and asked questions going forward.
Jack B- Commanding at the heart of defence, showed good understanding and made some useful forays into the opposition half.
Shaun- Amazingly brave and strong, gave the Reds no room to move.
Tyrell- A strong performance returning after a four game absence, won some important tackles.
Jack F- His best performance in an orange shirt, strong in the tackle, incisive in the pass and got the goal his performance deserved.
Riley- Full of running, took the pressure of the defence with his strength in holding the ball up, a key player today.
Jack D- Man of the match- put in an incredible shift, hard working going forward and tackling back.
Dorrell- Too quick and too tricky for most opposition defences, another fine performance and another goal.
Alfie- Just keeps scoring. Fast, strong, an eye for goal and as unselfish as you could want your leading scorer to be!

Rovers have some talented individuals but their greatest strength is how hard they work for each other and how well they play as a team.