The club had its Presentation Day this weekend and the team awards were well deserved.
Best and Fairest - Michael Kil
Michael had a fantastic season. He much prefers playing in midfield but with our defensive problems, he took over at the centre of defence, was totally committed in every game he played and fully deserved the award.
Coach's Award - Marc Graziani
The Coach's Award went to Marc Graziani who was playing in his first competitive season. He made the left back position his own after telling the coach he couldn't play there and his improvement over the season was there for all to see.
Well done, Michael and Marc.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
The Team
Taken before the final game at Ringwood
Back Row: Adam Bove, Trevor Bird, Adam Clements, Ian Branch, Gareth Tanner, Ben Vernes, Jarryd Pickard, Marc Graziani
Front Row: Oskar Petersson, Ashley Stevenson, Joel Morandini, Michael Kil, Jeffrey Xu, Bill Vassiliou (Coach), Karl Pimlott
Absent: Domenic Curulli, Ali Sajadi, Kenneth Ng
Back Row: Adam Bove, Trevor Bird, Adam Clements, Ian Branch, Gareth Tanner, Ben Vernes, Jarryd Pickard, Marc Graziani
Front Row: Oskar Petersson, Ashley Stevenson, Joel Morandini, Michael Kil, Jeffrey Xu, Bill Vassiliou (Coach), Karl Pimlott
Absent: Domenic Curulli, Ali Sajadi, Kenneth Ng
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Final Roundup
North Caulfield beat Ashburton 3-2 at home to record their 17th win in 18 matches - their only blemish, the 4-3 defeat at Anderson Park to Doncaster Rovers. Ashburton, after looking a good bet for 2nd place slipped away in the second half of the season to finish 4th.
Knox City beat Mooroolbark 2-0 to clinch 2nd place. Mooroolbark finished on 9 points, not a bad effort after one gaining 1 point in the first half of the season.
Doncaster Rovers finished the season on a high with an impressive 6-3 win at Ringwood City to secure 3rd place, 3 points clear of 4th. Ringwood improved over the second half of the season with a 3-game winning run before this last match.
Richmond beat Boroondara Lions 2-0 away to finish the season on a high note to finish in 6th place. Boroondara has a disappointing second half of the season picking up 20 points for the first 9 games but only 10 points for the second 9.
Boronia beat Sherbrooke Rangers 3-1 to finish 8th on 13 points. Sherbrooke only gained 1 point in the last 9 games to linish in 10th place.
Knox City beat Mooroolbark 2-0 to clinch 2nd place. Mooroolbark finished on 9 points, not a bad effort after one gaining 1 point in the first half of the season.
Doncaster Rovers finished the season on a high with an impressive 6-3 win at Ringwood City to secure 3rd place, 3 points clear of 4th. Ringwood improved over the second half of the season with a 3-game winning run before this last match.
Richmond beat Boroondara Lions 2-0 away to finish the season on a high note to finish in 6th place. Boroondara has a disappointing second half of the season picking up 20 points for the first 9 games but only 10 points for the second 9.
Boronia beat Sherbrooke Rangers 3-1 to finish 8th on 13 points. Sherbrooke only gained 1 point in the last 9 games to linish in 10th place.
A Convincing Win and 3rd Place
9th September: Ringwood City 3-6 Doncaster Rovers
Goals: Jeffrey Xu, Adam Clements (2), Trevor Bird (2), Michael Kil
Rovers started the final day of the season knowing that a win would confirm 3rd place on the ladder and anything less could mean dropping as far as 5th.
Rovers lined up for the last game with Adam Bove in goal and a back four of Jarryd Pickard, Ben Vernes, Michael Kil and Marc Graziani. Joel Morandini started on the right of midfield, Gareth Tanner on the left, with Ian Branch and Oskar Petersson in the centre. Up front, Trevor Bird started alongside Jeffrey Xu, with Ashley Stevenson, Adam Clements and Karl Pimlott on the bench.
Captain Ben Vernes won the toss and decided to take advantage of a stiff breeze in the first half. As the game kicked off, Rovers immediately pushed forward looking for an early goal. In the second minute, Joel Morandini did well to beat his man on the right and get the ball across the area. Trevor Bird let the ball run to Gareth Tanner whose shot was well saved by the Ringwood keeper. From the resulting corner, Gareth Tanner swung the ball over to the far post and an inrushing Ben Vernes just failed to get a touch.
Rovers weren't to be denied for long. In the 9th minute, after sustained pressure they won a throw-in on the left deep in Ringwood territory. Oskar Petersson made a run from deep and was found with a quick throw from Gareth Tanner. His chipped cross eluded the Ringwood keeper and Jeffrey Xu nodded the ball home to give Rovers the early lead they were looking for.
Rovers continued to press forward pinning Ringwood back in their half for long periods. On 13 minutes, a long throw from the left by Gareth Tanner was volleyed narrowly wide by Trevor Bird. Four minutes later Rovers went close again. An immaculate through-ball from Oskar Petersson found Trevor Bird in the inside-left channel. Under heavy pressure he shot just wide of the goal. A minute later, Rovers won a corner on the left. Gareth Tanner picked out the excellent run of Joel Morandini at the near post and his snap shot was deflected wide.
On 27 minutes, Ringwood equalised against the run of play. a long ball forward by Ringwood wasn't cleared leaving their striker with a simple finish to make the score 1-1.
Rovers refused to let this setback ruffle them and immediately went back on the attack. In the 30th minute, Ian Branch won the ball in midfield and knocked it into the path of the advancing Oskar Petersson. His well-timed through-ball found Adam Clements who took the ball on and calmly beat the Ringwood keeper from 15 metres, slotting the ball just inside the right-hand post to give Rovers a 2-1 lead.
By now, Rovers were completely dominating possession and on 34 minutes, the ball fell to Adam Clements, whose shot from 25 metres just cleared the bar. However, disaster struck again two minutes later when another mix-up in the Rovers defence gifted Ringwood a second goal to make the score 2-2.
Rovers again resumed their pressure on the Ringwood goal. On 37 minutes, Asley Stevenson took the ball past his man and cut it back in
to the box. Adam Clements, with his back to goal, laid the ball back to Karl Pimlott who drove the ball across the face of the goal, just missing the far post. With the half-time break looming, Oskar Petersson played a well-judged ball inside the fullback for Gareth Tanner to run on to. His cross found Adam Clements at the far post and his shot flew just over the bar. The referee blew for half time before Ringwood could restart restart the game and despite Rovers spending most of the game in Ringwood's half, the game was tied at 2-2.
At the start of the second half, Rovers were determined to regain their advantage and finish the season on a high. On 45 minutes, Ian Branch chased out to the left wing and dispossessed a Ringwood player. A finely weighted pass found Adam Clements who took the ball into the area and drilled it across the keeper and into the far corner to give Rovers back the lead, 3-2.
Three minutes later, good work in midfield by Adam Clements found Michael Kil and his pass found Ashley Stevenson who cut in from the right and drilled a shot into the side netting, just wide of the post. On 51 minutes, good work on the left by Ian Branch mad
e space to cross and the ball was met on the volley by Ashley Stevenson forcing the Ringwood keeper into a smart save.
It was all one way traffic now with Rovers looking to increase their lead. On 53 minutes, Adam Clements found Ian Branch making progress down the left. His quick ball inside found Trevor Bird whose first-time shot was deflected wide for a corner. From the corner, Joel Morandini found Ian Branch who screwed his shot just wide as the keeper closed him down.
On 60 m
inutes, with a quarter of the game to go, Ringwood won a free kick just outside the Rovers box and a finely curled shot cannoned off the crossbar, giving Rovers a timely reminder that the game was not won. Two minutes later, however, Rovers were breathing a bit easier. Ben Vernes picked the ball up in midfield and quickly knocked it through to Trevor Bird. Rovers top scorer made no mistake this time and slotted the ball under the Ringwood keeper to give Rovers a 4-2 lead.
On 65 minutes, 15 minutes from the season's end, came what was undoubtedly the goal of the season. Michael Kil, having another dominant game at the back, intercepted a Ringwood pass 10 metres inside his own half. He then took on and beat two Ringwood players and took the ball out to the right wing where he outpaced the fullback on the outside, cut in to the penalty area and unleashed an unstoppable shot between the keeper and the near post to make the score Ringwood 2-5 Rovers.
Two minutes later, Ringwood broke through and Adam Bove was forced into a fine save, low to his left. Rovers continued to apply pressure with the game now taking place deep in Ringwood's half. On 74 minutes, Ringwood broke clear with a good passing move through the middle and a confident finish from 15 metres gave Adam Bove no chance to bring the score back to 3-5.
With a two goal cushion, Rovers pushed forward again for the last 5 minutes of the game. On 76 minutes, Ian Branch found Karl Pimlott with
a neat pass and his shot was blocked at the near post. Two minutes later, Rovers wrapped the game up. Ben Vernes won possession in midfield and played a quick ball through the Trevor Bird. He shrugged of a challenge from a Ringwood defender and carried the ball into the area where he was on the end of a heavy two-footed tackle from the Ringwood keeper. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. Trevor Bird, after a minute to get his breath back, stepped up to take the penalty and side-footed it to the keeper's right to leave a final score of Ringwood City 3-6 Doncaster Rovers.
The win guaranteed Rovers 3rd spot on the ladder, a well deserved reward for an excellent season.
Goals: Jeffrey Xu, Adam Clements (2), Trevor Bird (2), Michael Kil
Rovers started the final day of the season knowing that a win would confirm 3rd place on the ladder and anything less could mean dropping as far as 5th.Rovers lined up for the last game with Adam Bove in goal and a back four of Jarryd Pickard, Ben Vernes, Michael Kil and Marc Graziani. Joel Morandini started on the right of midfield, Gareth Tanner on the left, with Ian Branch and Oskar Petersson in the centre. Up front, Trevor Bird started alongside Jeffrey Xu, with Ashley Stevenson, Adam Clements and Karl Pimlott on the bench.
Captain Ben Vernes won the toss and decided to take advantage of a stiff breeze in the first half. As the game kicked off, Rovers immediately pushed forward looking for an early goal. In the second minute, Joel Morandini did well to beat his man on the right and get the ball across the area. Trevor Bird let the ball run to Gareth Tanner whose shot was well saved by the Ringwood keeper. From the resulting corner, Gareth Tanner swung the ball over to the far post and an inrushing Ben Vernes just failed to get a touch.
Rovers weren't to be denied for long. In the 9th minute, after sustained pressure they won a throw-in on the left deep in Ringwood territory. Oskar Petersson made a run from deep and was found with a quick throw from Gareth Tanner. His chipped cross eluded the Ringwood keeper and Jeffrey Xu nodded the ball home to give Rovers the early lead they were looking for.
Rovers continued to press forward pinning Ringwood back in their half for long periods. On 13 minutes, a long throw from the left by Gareth Tanner was volleyed narrowly wide by Trevor Bird. Four minutes later Rovers went close again. An immaculate through-ball from Oskar Petersson found Trevor Bird in the inside-left channel. Under heavy pressure he shot just wide of the goal. A minute later, Rovers won a corner on the left. Gareth Tanner picked out the excellent run of Joel Morandini at the near post and his snap shot was deflected wide.
On 27 minutes, Ringwood equalised against the run of play. a long ball forward by Ringwood wasn't cleared leaving their striker with a simple finish to make the score 1-1.
Rovers refused to let this setback ruffle them and immediately went back on the attack. In the 30th minute, Ian Branch won the ball in midfield and knocked it into the path of the advancing Oskar Petersson. His well-timed through-ball found Adam Clements who took the ball on and calmly beat the Ringwood keeper from 15 metres, slotting the ball just inside the right-hand post to give Rovers a 2-1 lead.
By now, Rovers were completely dominating possession and on 34 minutes, the ball fell to Adam Clements, whose shot from 25 metres just cleared the bar. However, disaster struck again two minutes later when another mix-up in the Rovers defence gifted Ringwood a second goal to make the score 2-2.
Rovers again resumed their pressure on the Ringwood goal. On 37 minutes, Asley Stevenson took the ball past his man and cut it back in
to the box. Adam Clements, with his back to goal, laid the ball back to Karl Pimlott who drove the ball across the face of the goal, just missing the far post. With the half-time break looming, Oskar Petersson played a well-judged ball inside the fullback for Gareth Tanner to run on to. His cross found Adam Clements at the far post and his shot flew just over the bar. The referee blew for half time before Ringwood could restart restart the game and despite Rovers spending most of the game in Ringwood's half, the game was tied at 2-2.At the start of the second half, Rovers were determined to regain their advantage and finish the season on a high. On 45 minutes, Ian Branch chased out to the left wing and dispossessed a Ringwood player. A finely weighted pass found Adam Clements who took the ball into the area and drilled it across the keeper and into the far corner to give Rovers back the lead, 3-2.
Three minutes later, good work in midfield by Adam Clements found Michael Kil and his pass found Ashley Stevenson who cut in from the right and drilled a shot into the side netting, just wide of the post. On 51 minutes, good work on the left by Ian Branch mad
e space to cross and the ball was met on the volley by Ashley Stevenson forcing the Ringwood keeper into a smart save.It was all one way traffic now with Rovers looking to increase their lead. On 53 minutes, Adam Clements found Ian Branch making progress down the left. His quick ball inside found Trevor Bird whose first-time shot was deflected wide for a corner. From the corner, Joel Morandini found Ian Branch who screwed his shot just wide as the keeper closed him down.
On 60 m
inutes, with a quarter of the game to go, Ringwood won a free kick just outside the Rovers box and a finely curled shot cannoned off the crossbar, giving Rovers a timely reminder that the game was not won. Two minutes later, however, Rovers were breathing a bit easier. Ben Vernes picked the ball up in midfield and quickly knocked it through to Trevor Bird. Rovers top scorer made no mistake this time and slotted the ball under the Ringwood keeper to give Rovers a 4-2 lead.On 65 minutes, 15 minutes from the season's end, came what was undoubtedly the goal of the season. Michael Kil, having another dominant game at the back, intercepted a Ringwood pass 10 metres inside his own half. He then took on and beat two Ringwood players and took the ball out to the right wing where he outpaced the fullback on the outside, cut in to the penalty area and unleashed an unstoppable shot between the keeper and the near post to make the score Ringwood 2-5 Rovers.
Two minutes later, Ringwood broke through and Adam Bove was forced into a fine save, low to his left. Rovers continued to apply pressure with the game now taking place deep in Ringwood's half. On 74 minutes, Ringwood broke clear with a good passing move through the middle and a confident finish from 15 metres gave Adam Bove no chance to bring the score back to 3-5.
With a two goal cushion, Rovers pushed forward again for the last 5 minutes of the game. On 76 minutes, Ian Branch found Karl Pimlott with
a neat pass and his shot was blocked at the near post. Two minutes later, Rovers wrapped the game up. Ben Vernes won possession in midfield and played a quick ball through the Trevor Bird. He shrugged of a challenge from a Ringwood defender and carried the ball into the area where he was on the end of a heavy two-footed tackle from the Ringwood keeper. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. Trevor Bird, after a minute to get his breath back, stepped up to take the penalty and side-footed it to the keeper's right to leave a final score of Ringwood City 3-6 Doncaster Rovers.The win guaranteed Rovers 3rd spot on the ladder, a well deserved reward for an excellent season.
Week 17 Roundup
North Caulfield had comfortable 5-1 win at Sherbrooke and Knox City thumped Ashburton 8-1 away to guarantee a 2nd place finish. With Boroondara Lions losing 4-2 at Mooroolbark, Rovers moved into 3rd place on goal difference with their 5-3 home win over Boronia. Ringwood City won their 3rd game in a row with a hard-fought 3-2 win at Richmond.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
A Battling Win
2nd September: Doncaster Rovers 5-3 Boronia
Goals: Oskar Petersson, Trevor Bird (2), Ashley Stevenson, Ben Vernes
Rovers started the day in 5th spot on the ladder, looking for a good result in their last two matches of the season with a potential 3rd place at stake. With Spring well and truly arrived with a warm, sunny afternoon, Rovers starting lineup showed a couple of changes.
Adam Bove took up his customary place in goal behind a back four of Jarryd Pickard, Ben Vernes, Adam Clements and Marc Graziani. Ashley Stevenson started wide on the left, Jeffrey Xu on the right, with Oskar Petersson and Ian Branch in central midfield. Up front, Michael Kil
was given a chance to show his speed alongside top-scorer Trevor Bird.
Rovers kicked off and came close to scoring with the opening move of the game. The ball was played back from the kick-off to Ben Vernes who played a one-two with Ian Branch before finding Michael Kil making a run into the inside-right channel. His quick ball into the box found Trevor Bird and the Boronia keeper had to race quickly off his line to smother the danger at Bird's feet.
A minute later, a long clearance was knocked out to the Boronia left wing and a long cross-cum-shot from the Boronia wide player flew over Adam Bove into the roof of the net to give Boronia a shock 1-0 lead.
In the 6th minute, Rovers' problems doubled when the defense failed to deal with a high-bouncing ball letting the Boronia striker through on goal to calmly beat A
dam Bove from 15 metres. All of a sudden, Rovers were 2-0 down in a game they were looking to win. Coach Bill Vassiliou decided to move Michael Kil back to his customary position at the back and moved Adam Clements up front.
From that point Rovers started to regain control of the game, pushing Boronia back into their half. On 14 minutes, Ian Branch found Jeffrey Xu who cut in from the right and hit a drive which just cleared the Boronia bar. 4 minutes later, Ben Vernes picked the ball up on the half-way line and played the ball up to Trevor Bird. He laid the ball back to Oskar Petersson whose rasping drive was turned round the post by the Boronia keeper.
On 19 minutes, a long clearance from Boronia found them with an extra man up front and a cross from the left was handled by Michael Kil to concede a penalty and earn himself a booking into the bargain. The Boronia striker struck the penalty well low to Adam Bove's left but Bove had guessed right and dived full length to make his third penalty save of the season and keep Rovers hopes alive.
W
ith Adam Bove the toast of the team, Rovers immediately reapplied the pressure and went close on 23 minutes as a fine run by Oskar Petersson was halted by a last ditch tackle with the goal at his mercy. A minute later, Jarryd Pickard tried his luck with a powerful drive from wide on the right, but with the keeper beaten, the ball just cleared the bar.
On 26 minutes Ben Vernes hit a perfect 40 yard ball to Adam Clements on the left wing but his shot was blocked and the ball was scrambled away for a corner. Boronia didn't learn from the near miss and a minute later, Ben Vernes repeated the pass to Adam Clements who cut inside his defender into the box before being tripped. The referee immediately blew for a penalty giving Rovers a great chance to start the fightback. Oskar Petersson stepped up to take the kick and calmly beat the Boronia keeper just inside the right-hand post to make the score Rovers
1-2 Boronia.
Rovers were now totally dominating the game and creating a succession of chances. Ian Branch teed up Trevor Bird who brought a fine save from the keeper. Minutes later, Oskar Petersson played a one-two with Adam Clements and his shot flew just wide of the near post. On 32 minutes, Oskar Petersson took a corner from the left which was met on the volley by Ben Vernes and the Boronia keeper tipped the ball over the bar as it arrowed towards the top corner.
Two minute
s later, Oskar Petersson found himself free again and his shot from the edge of the box was well saved by the keeper. All of Rovers pressure finally paid off from the resultant corner which Oskar Petersson played to the far post where it was headed in by Trevor Bird to give a jubilant Rovers team the equaliser.
In the final minute of the half, Ian Branch found Jeffrey Xu on the right and his cross caused panic in the Boronia defence before they finally hacked the ball clear. Boronia were relieved to hear the half-time whistle, hanging on to a 2-2 draw.
The half-time break brought no relief for Boronia as Rovers took the lead in the first minute of the second half. Ben Vernes won the ball in defence and played a delightful ball over the Boronia defence for Trevor Bird to run on to. He took the ball on and his shot was well st
opped by the keeper, but he couldn't hang onto the ball and Ashley Stevenson gleefully knocked the rebound high into the net to give Rovers the lead for the first time in the game.
Two minutes later Rovers went close again as Jarryd Pickard tried his luck from long distance and the keeper was relieved to see the ball clear the bar. On 44 minutes, a good run from Trevor Bird won a corner on the right. He quickly knocked it to the supporting Joel Morandini and the keeper did well to keep out his stinging shot.
On 48 minutes, Boronia reminded Rovers that they were still in the game with a fine drive from the right which Adam Bove watched over the bar.
On 53 minutes, a perfectly weighted ball from Ian Branch found Trevor Bird in the inside-right
channel. He cut into the box and slipped the ball to Ashley Stevenson whose snap-shot was saved by the keeper. Trevor Bird was on hand to bundle the ball home but was adjudged to have fouled the keeper in the process.
On 61 minutes, a rash challenge gave Boronia a chance from a free-kick straight in front of goal just outside the penalty box arc. Adam Bove was completely deceived by the flight of the ball and could only palm it into his net. Suddenly, after long spells under the cosh, Boronia were back level at 3-3.
Rovers, however, were not to be denied. A minute later, Ian Branch won the ball in midfield and found Ben Vernes. He played the ball down the line to Ashley Stevenson on the right wing and his inch-perfect cross was met by Trevor Bird who headed home for his second and Rovers' fourth.
With Rovers back in the driving seat, Boronia were again pressed back deep in their own half and desperate defending and some fine saves kept Ashley Stevenson, Ian Branch, Oskar Petersson and Trevor Bird from adding to the score.
Their resistance was finally broken again in the 76th minute. Rovers were awarded a free-kick wide on the left just in their own half of the field. Oskar Petersson saw the run from deep of Ben Vernes from right to left and his free-kick was met perfectly on the volley by Ben Vernes' left foot and the ball flew into the net before the keeper could react.
Rovers players were overjoyed when the final whistle went a few minutes later confirming a fine come-from-behind 5-3 win.
As the other results came in, a heavy defeat for Ashburton at the hands of Knox, and a surprise win for Mooroolbark over Boroondara lifted Rovers into third place.
With one more match to go, away at Ringwood, a win will guarantee third place. However, Ringwood are coming of the back of three successive wins so a tough game is on the cards.
Goals: Oskar Petersson, Trevor Bird (2), Ashley Stevenson, Ben Vernes
Rovers started the day in 5th spot on the ladder, looking for a good result in their last two matches of the season with a potential 3rd place at stake. With Spring well and truly arrived with a warm, sunny afternoon, Rovers starting lineup showed a couple of changes.
Adam Bove took up his customary place in goal behind a back four of Jarryd Pickard, Ben Vernes, Adam Clements and Marc Graziani. Ashley Stevenson started wide on the left, Jeffrey Xu on the right, with Oskar Petersson and Ian Branch in central midfield. Up front, Michael Kil
was given a chance to show his speed alongside top-scorer Trevor Bird.Rovers kicked off and came close to scoring with the opening move of the game. The ball was played back from the kick-off to Ben Vernes who played a one-two with Ian Branch before finding Michael Kil making a run into the inside-right channel. His quick ball into the box found Trevor Bird and the Boronia keeper had to race quickly off his line to smother the danger at Bird's feet.
A minute later, a long clearance was knocked out to the Boronia left wing and a long cross-cum-shot from the Boronia wide player flew over Adam Bove into the roof of the net to give Boronia a shock 1-0 lead.
In the 6th minute, Rovers' problems doubled when the defense failed to deal with a high-bouncing ball letting the Boronia striker through on goal to calmly beat A
dam Bove from 15 metres. All of a sudden, Rovers were 2-0 down in a game they were looking to win. Coach Bill Vassiliou decided to move Michael Kil back to his customary position at the back and moved Adam Clements up front.From that point Rovers started to regain control of the game, pushing Boronia back into their half. On 14 minutes, Ian Branch found Jeffrey Xu who cut in from the right and hit a drive which just cleared the Boronia bar. 4 minutes later, Ben Vernes picked the ball up on the half-way line and played the ball up to Trevor Bird. He laid the ball back to Oskar Petersson whose rasping drive was turned round the post by the Boronia keeper.
On 19 minutes, a long clearance from Boronia found them with an extra man up front and a cross from the left was handled by Michael Kil to concede a penalty and earn himself a booking into the bargain. The Boronia striker struck the penalty well low to Adam Bove's left but Bove had guessed right and dived full length to make his third penalty save of the season and keep Rovers hopes alive.
W
ith Adam Bove the toast of the team, Rovers immediately reapplied the pressure and went close on 23 minutes as a fine run by Oskar Petersson was halted by a last ditch tackle with the goal at his mercy. A minute later, Jarryd Pickard tried his luck with a powerful drive from wide on the right, but with the keeper beaten, the ball just cleared the bar.On 26 minutes Ben Vernes hit a perfect 40 yard ball to Adam Clements on the left wing but his shot was blocked and the ball was scrambled away for a corner. Boronia didn't learn from the near miss and a minute later, Ben Vernes repeated the pass to Adam Clements who cut inside his defender into the box before being tripped. The referee immediately blew for a penalty giving Rovers a great chance to start the fightback. Oskar Petersson stepped up to take the kick and calmly beat the Boronia keeper just inside the right-hand post to make the score Rovers
1-2 Boronia.Rovers were now totally dominating the game and creating a succession of chances. Ian Branch teed up Trevor Bird who brought a fine save from the keeper. Minutes later, Oskar Petersson played a one-two with Adam Clements and his shot flew just wide of the near post. On 32 minutes, Oskar Petersson took a corner from the left which was met on the volley by Ben Vernes and the Boronia keeper tipped the ball over the bar as it arrowed towards the top corner.
Two minute
s later, Oskar Petersson found himself free again and his shot from the edge of the box was well saved by the keeper. All of Rovers pressure finally paid off from the resultant corner which Oskar Petersson played to the far post where it was headed in by Trevor Bird to give a jubilant Rovers team the equaliser.In the final minute of the half, Ian Branch found Jeffrey Xu on the right and his cross caused panic in the Boronia defence before they finally hacked the ball clear. Boronia were relieved to hear the half-time whistle, hanging on to a 2-2 draw.
The half-time break brought no relief for Boronia as Rovers took the lead in the first minute of the second half. Ben Vernes won the ball in defence and played a delightful ball over the Boronia defence for Trevor Bird to run on to. He took the ball on and his shot was well st
opped by the keeper, but he couldn't hang onto the ball and Ashley Stevenson gleefully knocked the rebound high into the net to give Rovers the lead for the first time in the game.Two minutes later Rovers went close again as Jarryd Pickard tried his luck from long distance and the keeper was relieved to see the ball clear the bar. On 44 minutes, a good run from Trevor Bird won a corner on the right. He quickly knocked it to the supporting Joel Morandini and the keeper did well to keep out his stinging shot.
On 48 minutes, Boronia reminded Rovers that they were still in the game with a fine drive from the right which Adam Bove watched over the bar.
On 53 minutes, a perfectly weighted ball from Ian Branch found Trevor Bird in the inside-right
channel. He cut into the box and slipped the ball to Ashley Stevenson whose snap-shot was saved by the keeper. Trevor Bird was on hand to bundle the ball home but was adjudged to have fouled the keeper in the process.On 61 minutes, a rash challenge gave Boronia a chance from a free-kick straight in front of goal just outside the penalty box arc. Adam Bove was completely deceived by the flight of the ball and could only palm it into his net. Suddenly, after long spells under the cosh, Boronia were back level at 3-3.
Rovers, however, were not to be denied. A minute later, Ian Branch won the ball in midfield and found Ben Vernes. He played the ball down the line to Ashley Stevenson on the right wing and his inch-perfect cross was met by Trevor Bird who headed home for his second and Rovers' fourth.
With Rovers back in the driving seat, Boronia were again pressed back deep in their own half and desperate defending and some fine saves kept Ashley Stevenson, Ian Branch, Oskar Petersson and Trevor Bird from adding to the score.
Their resistance was finally broken again in the 76th minute. Rovers were awarded a free-kick wide on the left just in their own half of the field. Oskar Petersson saw the run from deep of Ben Vernes from right to left and his free-kick was met perfectly on the volley by Ben Vernes' left foot and the ball flew into the net before the keeper could react.
Rovers players were overjoyed when the final whistle went a few minutes later confirming a fine come-from-behind 5-3 win.
As the other results came in, a heavy defeat for Ashburton at the hands of Knox, and a surprise win for Mooroolbark over Boroondara lifted Rovers into third place.
With one more match to go, away at Ringwood, a win will guarantee third place. However, Ringwood are coming of the back of three successive wins so a tough game is on the cards.
Week 16 Roundup
With North Caulfield holding Rovers at bay with a 2-1 win, their record shows still just the three points dropped. Knox City have almost secured 2nd spot with a 5-0 win against Sherbrooke Rangers.
Surprise of the round was Mooroolbark's first win of the season, 2-0 over Ashburton. Ringwood beat Boroondara Lions 4-3 in another upset while Richmond won at Boronia in another 4-3 scoreline.
The results keep Rovers in with a chance of 3rd place if they can pick up maximum points from their last two games.
Surprise of the round was Mooroolbark's first win of the season, 2-0 over Ashburton. Ringwood beat Boroondara Lions 4-3 in another upset while Richmond won at Boronia in another 4-3 scoreline.
The results keep Rovers in with a chance of 3rd place if they can pick up maximum points from their last two games.
Lightning Doesn't Strike Twice
26th August: North Caulfield 2-1 Doncaster Rovers
Goal: Jeffrey Xu
Rovers made the long journey down to Caulfield Park for the return match against North Caulfield. This was promising to be a challenging match for Rovers as North Caulfield would be looking to avenge their only defeat of the season, 3-4 at Anderson Park.
Rovers started the match with the in-form Adam Bove in goal. With Jarryd Pickard and Marc
Graziani at fullback, coach Bill Vassiliou decided to fill the troublesome centre-back berth alongside Michael Kil with Gareth Tanner to add some strength at the back against the division's leading scorers.
In midfield, Karl Pimlott anchored the midfield with Ashley Stevenson on the right, Ian Branch on the left and Ben Vernes and Oskar Petersson in central midfield. Trevor Bird was the lone striker as Rovers looking to reinforce the middle with the aim of getting players forward early in support.
The game kicked off in bright sunshine and North Caulfield immediately pressed forward. Gareth Tanner made an early impression as he cleared under pressure from two p
layers.
Minutes later, the ever-dependable Michael Kil made a last-ditch tackle to prevent a shot at goal. He released Ashley Stevenson on the right who in turn found the busy Oskar Petersson ahead of him. He found Trevor Bird on the edge of the box who turned and shot, forcing the North Caulfield into a smart save down to his right.
The game developed into a midfield struggle and on 15 minutes, Oskar Petersson played a finely judged ball through to Trevor Bird who turned inside two defenders but was unable to beat the keeper who was quickly off his line to cover.
With both sides finding chances difficult to come by, North Caulfield had two chances in two minutes but missed the target with both. However, on 30 minutes they took the lead in controversial circumstances. From a corner, Rovers were unable to clear the ball, and with Adam Bove clearly being impeded by a North Caulfield striker, a North Caulfield player had a simple tap-in unopposed.
Four minutes later, North Caulfield almost doubled their lead but the shot ht the inside of Adam
Bove's left-hand post and rolled across the goal before going out for a goal-kick.
Rovers then started to get a hold of the game with Ben Vernes, Oskar Petersson and Karl Pimlott playing well in midfield. On 38 minutes, Ben Vernes broke down the right and swung a high cross which eluded the North Caulfield keeper allowing Jeffrey Xu to meet the ball at the far post and knock it home. It was a goal that Rovers deserved for their efforts as they went in at half-time with the score North Caulfield 1-1 Rovers.
North Caulfield kicked the second half and almost immediately retook the lead, but for a fine save from Adam Bove. A minute later, Rovers defence was again under pressure and it took some good work from Gareth Tanner to shepherd the ball back into the safe arms of Adam Bove as two North Caulfield strikers threatened.
However, it wasn't one-way traffic and Rovers were unlucky as a bad bounce prevented a chance for Trevor Bird after good work by Ashley Stevenson. In the 55th minute, Karl Pimlott won the ball deep in the Rovers half and quickly found Oskar Petersson. His surging run upfield was only halted by a last-ditch challenge on the edge of the opposition box.
With the game now flowing from end to end, both defences were now dominating and chances were few and far between. the back four were dealing well with everything that that North Caulfield could throw at them, well-protected by the midfield.
However, in the 72nd minute with Rovers pressing forward for a winner, a long ball forward by North Caulfield finding their best player who gave Adam Bove no chance from 10 yards to give North Caulfield the lead.
Rovers responded for the last 8 minutes, throwing caution to the wind by moving the dynamic Michael Kil up front in search of the equaliser. With North Caulfield packing their defence for the last few minutes, there was no way through and the game finished with the score North Caulfield 2-1 Doncaster Rovers.
Goal: Jeffrey Xu
Rovers made the long journey down to Caulfield Park for the return match against North Caulfield. This was promising to be a challenging match for Rovers as North Caulfield would be looking to avenge their only defeat of the season, 3-4 at Anderson Park.
Rovers started the match with the in-form Adam Bove in goal. With Jarryd Pickard and Marc
Graziani at fullback, coach Bill Vassiliou decided to fill the troublesome centre-back berth alongside Michael Kil with Gareth Tanner to add some strength at the back against the division's leading scorers.In midfield, Karl Pimlott anchored the midfield with Ashley Stevenson on the right, Ian Branch on the left and Ben Vernes and Oskar Petersson in central midfield. Trevor Bird was the lone striker as Rovers looking to reinforce the middle with the aim of getting players forward early in support.
The game kicked off in bright sunshine and North Caulfield immediately pressed forward. Gareth Tanner made an early impression as he cleared under pressure from two p
layers.Minutes later, the ever-dependable Michael Kil made a last-ditch tackle to prevent a shot at goal. He released Ashley Stevenson on the right who in turn found the busy Oskar Petersson ahead of him. He found Trevor Bird on the edge of the box who turned and shot, forcing the North Caulfield into a smart save down to his right.
The game developed into a midfield struggle and on 15 minutes, Oskar Petersson played a finely judged ball through to Trevor Bird who turned inside two defenders but was unable to beat the keeper who was quickly off his line to cover.
With both sides finding chances difficult to come by, North Caulfield had two chances in two minutes but missed the target with both. However, on 30 minutes they took the lead in controversial circumstances. From a corner, Rovers were unable to clear the ball, and with Adam Bove clearly being impeded by a North Caulfield striker, a North Caulfield player had a simple tap-in unopposed.
Four minutes later, North Caulfield almost doubled their lead but the shot ht the inside of Adam
Bove's left-hand post and rolled across the goal before going out for a goal-kick.Rovers then started to get a hold of the game with Ben Vernes, Oskar Petersson and Karl Pimlott playing well in midfield. On 38 minutes, Ben Vernes broke down the right and swung a high cross which eluded the North Caulfield keeper allowing Jeffrey Xu to meet the ball at the far post and knock it home. It was a goal that Rovers deserved for their efforts as they went in at half-time with the score North Caulfield 1-1 Rovers.
North Caulfield kicked the second half and almost immediately retook the lead, but for a fine save from Adam Bove. A minute later, Rovers defence was again under pressure and it took some good work from Gareth Tanner to shepherd the ball back into the safe arms of Adam Bove as two North Caulfield strikers threatened.
However, it wasn't one-way traffic and Rovers were unlucky as a bad bounce prevented a chance for Trevor Bird after good work by Ashley Stevenson. In the 55th minute, Karl Pimlott won the ball deep in the Rovers half and quickly found Oskar Petersson. His surging run upfield was only halted by a last-ditch challenge on the edge of the opposition box.
With the game now flowing from end to end, both defences were now dominating and chances were few and far between. the back four were dealing well with everything that that North Caulfield could throw at them, well-protected by the midfield.
However, in the 72nd minute with Rovers pressing forward for a winner, a long ball forward by North Caulfield finding their best player who gave Adam Bove no chance from 10 yards to give North Caulfield the lead.
Rovers responded for the last 8 minutes, throwing caution to the wind by moving the dynamic Michael Kil up front in search of the equaliser. With North Caulfield packing their defence for the last few minutes, there was no way through and the game finished with the score North Caulfield 2-1 Doncaster Rovers.
Catch-Up Week
The One That Got Away
19th August: Doncaster Rovers 3-3 Boroondara Lions
Goals: Joel Morandini, Ben Vernes (pen), Trevor Bird
A bright sunny Anderson Park greeted the Rovers players on Sunday for the rearranged fixture against Boroondara Lions. Rovers were looking to improve on an opening day 3-0 reverse and continue their climb up the ladder. News came that Domenic Curulli had been ruled out for the rest of the season with his back injury and Ian Branch was unavailable on a school trip to the snow.
Rovers lined up with Adam Bove in goal and a back four of Jarryd Pickard, Michael Kil, Marc Graziani and Ali Sajadi. The midfield comprised of Ashley Stevenson on the right, Gareth Tanner on the left and Oskar petersson and Karl Pimlott in the centre. Ben Vernes partnered Trevor Bird in attack.
Boroondara kicked off but were immediately on the back foot as Karl Pimlott won the ball in midfield and knocked it forward, forcing Boroondara to clear the ball for a corner. Gareth Tanner sent the ball over from the left and it was headed clear but only as far as Karl Pimlott who shot flew just over. From the goal kick Boroondara proved that they were going to be no pushover by coming close to scoring themselves. A through ball brought Adam Bove quickly out from his goal to smother the ball at the feet of the Lions striker.
Rovers responded and in the fourth minute a long throw from Gareth Tanner was headed narrowly wide by Ben Vernes. A minute later Boroondara caught the Rovers defence napping and it took an acrobatic save from Adam Bove, turning the shot round the post, to keep the game scoreless. A minute later Adam Bove was called into action again as he spectacularly turned a shot from 25 metres over the bar.
With the action swinging from end to end, both defences were tested with Oskar Petersson and Trevor Bird going close for Rovers, Adam Bove again saving well and then Michael Kil making a last-ditch sliding tackle when a goal looked inevitable.
On 18 minutes it was Rovers who broke the deadlock. Ali Sajadi, looking solid at left back, won the ball and played it up the Oskar Petersson who turned his man and slipped a perfectly weighted pass through to Joel Morandini who took the ball on and beat the keeper to give Rovers the lead.
Rovers were now playing confidently and chances started to fall their way.
Joel Morandini made a determined run down the right, doing well to keep the ball in play as the Lions defender tried to see it over the line. He crossed and Trevor Bird was inches from adding a second. Minutes later, a corner from Gareth Tanner was met on the volley by Oskar Petersson who was unlucky to see his effort blocked. On 22 minutes Ben Vernes flashed an effort wide from 25 metres.
On 29 minutes Rovers had an opportunity to double their lead when a Boroondara defender handled in the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Ben Vernes stepped up to take the kick and placed it to the keeper's left giving Rovers a 2-0 lead. Rovers were now knocking the ball about confidently and Boroondara were grateful to reach half-time two goals down.
Half-time: Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Boroondara Lions
The second half commenced with Rovers immediately back on the attack. Three minutes in, a
through ball from Ben Vernes found Trevor Bird on the left, who cut in, beating two defenders before sliding the ball under the keeper to put Rovers three up.
On 49 minutes a long throw from Gareth Tanner found Oskar Petersson wide on the left and his immediate cross just cleared the onrushing Ben Vernes, much to Boroondara's relief. Four minutes later, Rovers carved open the Boroondara defence again. Karl Pimlott won the ball well and found Joel Morandini on the right. He beat his man and played the ball through to Trevor Bird who was tackled just before he could get his shot off.
In the 61st minute, Boroondara were thrown a lifeline when Rovers failed to deal with a long pass and the Lions striker was left with a simple finish, giving Adam Bove no chance. With Boroondara now pushing forward with confidence Rovers were looking for a fourth to make the game safe and on 64 minutes, Adam Clements was played through but his shot rolled wide. Two minutes later Boroondara were right back in the game. With Rovers in seemingly no danger, a Lions player picked the ball up 35 metres out and hit a long speculative shot which looped over Adam Bove and into the top of the net to make the score 3-2.
Rovers were now looking nervous and Boroondara were attacking with purpose and Rovers hearts were broken when in the last minute, a long ball into the Rovers box was met by a Boroondara player whose header looped over Adam Bove to level the score.
The referee ended the game as soon as Rovers restarted leaving the final score Doncaster Rovers 3-3 Boroondara Lions.
Goals: Joel Morandini, Ben Vernes (pen), Trevor Bird
A bright sunny Anderson Park greeted the Rovers players on Sunday for the rearranged fixture against Boroondara Lions. Rovers were looking to improve on an opening day 3-0 reverse and continue their climb up the ladder. News came that Domenic Curulli had been ruled out for the rest of the season with his back injury and Ian Branch was unavailable on a school trip to the snow.
Rovers lined up with Adam Bove in goal and a back four of Jarryd Pickard, Michael Kil, Marc Graziani and Ali Sajadi. The midfield comprised of Ashley Stevenson on the right, Gareth Tanner on the left and Oskar petersson and Karl Pimlott in the centre. Ben Vernes partnered Trevor Bird in attack.
Boroondara kicked off but were immediately on the back foot as Karl Pimlott won the ball in midfield and knocked it forward, forcing Boroondara to clear the ball for a corner. Gareth Tanner sent the ball over from the left and it was headed clear but only as far as Karl Pimlott who shot flew just over. From the goal kick Boroondara proved that they were going to be no pushover by coming close to scoring themselves. A through ball brought Adam Bove quickly out from his goal to smother the ball at the feet of the Lions striker.
Rovers responded and in the fourth minute a long throw from Gareth Tanner was headed narrowly wide by Ben Vernes. A minute later Boroondara caught the Rovers defence napping and it took an acrobatic save from Adam Bove, turning the shot round the post, to keep the game scoreless. A minute later Adam Bove was called into action again as he spectacularly turned a shot from 25 metres over the bar.
With the action swinging from end to end, both defences were tested with Oskar Petersson and Trevor Bird going close for Rovers, Adam Bove again saving well and then Michael Kil making a last-ditch sliding tackle when a goal looked inevitable.
On 18 minutes it was Rovers who broke the deadlock. Ali Sajadi, looking solid at left back, won the ball and played it up the Oskar Petersson who turned his man and slipped a perfectly weighted pass through to Joel Morandini who took the ball on and beat the keeper to give Rovers the lead.
Rovers were now playing confidently and chances started to fall their way.
Joel Morandini made a determined run down the right, doing well to keep the ball in play as the Lions defender tried to see it over the line. He crossed and Trevor Bird was inches from adding a second. Minutes later, a corner from Gareth Tanner was met on the volley by Oskar Petersson who was unlucky to see his effort blocked. On 22 minutes Ben Vernes flashed an effort wide from 25 metres.On 29 minutes Rovers had an opportunity to double their lead when a Boroondara defender handled in the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Ben Vernes stepped up to take the kick and placed it to the keeper's left giving Rovers a 2-0 lead. Rovers were now knocking the ball about confidently and Boroondara were grateful to reach half-time two goals down.
Half-time: Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Boroondara Lions
The second half commenced with Rovers immediately back on the attack. Three minutes in, a
through ball from Ben Vernes found Trevor Bird on the left, who cut in, beating two defenders before sliding the ball under the keeper to put Rovers three up.On 49 minutes a long throw from Gareth Tanner found Oskar Petersson wide on the left and his immediate cross just cleared the onrushing Ben Vernes, much to Boroondara's relief. Four minutes later, Rovers carved open the Boroondara defence again. Karl Pimlott won the ball well and found Joel Morandini on the right. He beat his man and played the ball through to Trevor Bird who was tackled just before he could get his shot off.
In the 61st minute, Boroondara were thrown a lifeline when Rovers failed to deal with a long pass and the Lions striker was left with a simple finish, giving Adam Bove no chance. With Boroondara now pushing forward with confidence Rovers were looking for a fourth to make the game safe and on 64 minutes, Adam Clements was played through but his shot rolled wide. Two minutes later Boroondara were right back in the game. With Rovers in seemingly no danger, a Lions player picked the ball up 35 metres out and hit a long speculative shot which looped over Adam Bove and into the top of the net to make the score 3-2.
Rovers were now looking nervous and Boroondara were attacking with purpose and Rovers hearts were broken when in the last minute, a long ball into the Rovers box was met by a Boroondara player whose header looped over Adam Bove to level the score.
The referee ended the game as soon as Rovers restarted leaving the final score Doncaster Rovers 3-3 Boroondara Lions.
Week 15 Roundup
North Caulfield carried on their winning ways, with a 4-1 win at Richmond and Ashburton just got over the line with a 3-2 win at Sherbrooke.
Knox City moved up to 3rd with their 3-1 win at Doncaster Rovers and Boroondara also moved up a place, at Rovers expense, with a 5-1 at home to Boronia. To close up the round, Ringwood City had an easy 7-0 win at home to Mooroolbark.
Knox City moved up to 3rd with their 3-1 win at Doncaster Rovers and Boroondara also moved up a place, at Rovers expense, with a 5-1 at home to Boronia. To close up the round, Ringwood City had an easy 7-0 win at home to Mooroolbark.
A Narrow Defeat
12th August - Doncaster Rovers 1-3 Knox City
Goal: Trevor Bird
Rovers returned to Anderson Park this week to take on Knox City, who had beaten them 3-2 earlier in the season. After two nights of heavy rain, the pitch was muddy all over with patches of water in places.
Rovers lined up with Adam Bove in goal, a back three of Jarryd Pickard, Michael Kil and Marc Graziani and Karl Pimlott just in front as a stopper. With Ashley Stevenson and Jeffrey Xu on the wings, Oskar Petersson and Ben Vernes filled the centre of midfield, with Trevor Bird and Ian Branch up front.
With Domenic Curulli still troubled by a back injury, Joel Morandini, Gareth Tanner, Kenneth Ng were joined on the bench by Adam Clements, returning after a broken leg at the start of the season.
Rovers started the game brightly, passing the ball around well despite the difficult conditions. On four minutes, Karl Pimlott won the ball in midfield and found Oskar Petersson to his left. After beating his opponent, played a superb ball down the channel to Trevor Bird who made no mistake and beat the Knox keeper low to his right to give Rovers a 1-0 lead.
Knox immediately pressed for an equaliser and after an excellent tackle from Michael Kil the ball fell to former Rovers player Alex Gradwell who forced a diving save from Adam Bove who turned the ball round the post for a corner.
Two minutes later, a quick throw from Adam Bove found marc Graziani who played the ball up the line for Jeffrey Xu. His pass over the top found Ian Branch who's quick cross eluded the onrushing Rovers players.
On 15 minutes Rovers' penalty jinx struck again. After a run of contentious penalties awarded against them, this one was probably the most mystifying. Karl Pimlott and Alex Gradwell tussled for the ball in midfield and Karl may have been guilty of some holding there. However, as they chased into the penalty area the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot, surprising players of both sides. Alex Gradwell stepped up and fired the ball low towards the bottom right corner but justice was done when Adam Bove dived brilliantly down to save.
Knox were not to be denied and a long ball over the top found a Knox player who gave Adam Bove no chance to level the score at 1-1.
On 30 minutes Alex Gradwell, a constant problem for the Rovers defence, broke through after catching Rovers in possession. He took the ball onto the edge of the box and looked certain to give Knox the lead, but Adam Bove made a world-class save to palm the ball over the bar.
By now the heavy conditions were causing Rovers problems, with two or three players carrying knocks or strains and after a period of end to end football Knox added a second goal.
As the half drew to a close, Rovers pressed for the equaliser. Adam Clements did well to get the ball over from the left for Trevor Bird to shoot just wide. A minute later, Adam Clements was sent through by a fine ball from Michael Kil but again just missed the target. Just before the half-time whistle, Ian Branch stabbed the ball wide after good work by Ben Vernes.
Half-time: Rovers 1-2 Knox City.
Rovers came out for the second half in determined mood and pressed hard for an equaliser but the final ball was just eluding them. On 47 minutes, an excellent finish by Alex Gradwell,
chipping over Adam Bove from 20 metres gave Knox a 3-1 lead.
On 55 minutes, a long ball found Ian Branch who held the ball up well and laid it back to Oskar Petersson. His quick ball into the box found Ashley Stevenson whose volley flashed narrowly wide. Chances were now falling at both ends as Rovers desperately tried to get back in the game.
On 68 minutes, rovers thought they had made the breakthrough. A long throw by Gareth Tanner caused panic in the Knox defence and Ben Vernes controlled the ball under pressure and found Trevor Bird. His shot looked destined for the corner of the net but a great save by the Knox keeper turned it round the corner.
As the clock ticked down, Joel Morandini made a great run from the left into the box and his cross-shot flashed across the goal; eluding both defenders and Rovers' forwards.
In the last minute, good work by Joel Morandini found Trevor Bird in the penalty area, but the Knox defence blocked his effort. With the final whistle going, Rovers came up just short in an entertaining game between two good footballing sides with a final score of Rovers 1-3 Knox City.
Goal: Trevor Bird
Rovers returned to Anderson Park this week to take on Knox City, who had beaten them 3-2 earlier in the season. After two nights of heavy rain, the pitch was muddy all over with patches of water in places.
Rovers lined up with Adam Bove in goal, a back three of Jarryd Pickard, Michael Kil and Marc Graziani and Karl Pimlott just in front as a stopper. With Ashley Stevenson and Jeffrey Xu on the wings, Oskar Petersson and Ben Vernes filled the centre of midfield, with Trevor Bird and Ian Branch up front.With Domenic Curulli still troubled by a back injury, Joel Morandini, Gareth Tanner, Kenneth Ng were joined on the bench by Adam Clements, returning after a broken leg at the start of the season.
Rovers started the game brightly, passing the ball around well despite the difficult conditions. On four minutes, Karl Pimlott won the ball in midfield and found Oskar Petersson to his left. After beating his opponent, played a superb ball down the channel to Trevor Bird who made no mistake and beat the Knox keeper low to his right to give Rovers a 1-0 lead.
Knox immediately pressed for an equaliser and after an excellent tackle from Michael Kil the ball fell to former Rovers player Alex Gradwell who forced a diving save from Adam Bove who turned the ball round the post for a corner.
Two minutes later, a quick throw from Adam Bove found marc Graziani who played the ball up the line for Jeffrey Xu. His pass over the top found Ian Branch who's quick cross eluded the onrushing Rovers players.
On 15 minutes Rovers' penalty jinx struck again. After a run of contentious penalties awarded against them, this one was probably the most mystifying. Karl Pimlott and Alex Gradwell tussled for the ball in midfield and Karl may have been guilty of some holding there. However, as they chased into the penalty area the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot, surprising players of both sides. Alex Gradwell stepped up and fired the ball low towards the bottom right corner but justice was done when Adam Bove dived brilliantly down to save.
Knox were not to be denied and a long ball over the top found a Knox player who gave Adam Bove no chance to level the score at 1-1.
On 30 minutes Alex Gradwell, a constant problem for the Rovers defence, broke through after catching Rovers in possession. He took the ball onto the edge of the box and looked certain to give Knox the lead, but Adam Bove made a world-class save to palm the ball over the bar.
By now the heavy conditions were causing Rovers problems, with two or three players carrying knocks or strains and after a period of end to end football Knox added a second goal.
As the half drew to a close, Rovers pressed for the equaliser. Adam Clements did well to get the ball over from the left for Trevor Bird to shoot just wide. A minute later, Adam Clements was sent through by a fine ball from Michael Kil but again just missed the target. Just before the half-time whistle, Ian Branch stabbed the ball wide after good work by Ben Vernes.
Half-time: Rovers 1-2 Knox City.
Rovers came out for the second half in determined mood and pressed hard for an equaliser but the final ball was just eluding them. On 47 minutes, an excellent finish by Alex Gradwell,
chipping over Adam Bove from 20 metres gave Knox a 3-1 lead.On 55 minutes, a long ball found Ian Branch who held the ball up well and laid it back to Oskar Petersson. His quick ball into the box found Ashley Stevenson whose volley flashed narrowly wide. Chances were now falling at both ends as Rovers desperately tried to get back in the game.
On 68 minutes, rovers thought they had made the breakthrough. A long throw by Gareth Tanner caused panic in the Knox defence and Ben Vernes controlled the ball under pressure and found Trevor Bird. His shot looked destined for the corner of the net but a great save by the Knox keeper turned it round the corner.
As the clock ticked down, Joel Morandini made a great run from the left into the box and his cross-shot flashed across the goal; eluding both defenders and Rovers' forwards.
In the last minute, good work by Joel Morandini found Trevor Bird in the penalty area, but the Knox defence blocked his effort. With the final whistle going, Rovers came up just short in an entertaining game between two good footballing sides with a final score of Rovers 1-3 Knox City.
Week 14 Roundup
With Ashburton's comprehensive home defeat, 2-6 by Doncaster Rovers, North Caulfield opened up a 10 point gap on the rest with a 4-0 win over Boroondara Lions. Knox City beat Richmond 3-2 at home to keep up the pressure on 2nd spot.
Boronia beat Ringwood 1-0 at home in a close encounter and the bottom two shared the spoils, Sherbrooke picking up a 2-2 draw at Mooroolbark.
Boronia beat Ringwood 1-0 at home in a close encounter and the bottom two shared the spoils, Sherbrooke picking up a 2-2 draw at Mooroolbark.
Game of the Season
5th August - Ashburton 2-6 Doncaster Rovers
Goals:Jeffrey Xu, Ben Vernes (2), Ashley Stevenson, Oskar Petersson, Ian Branch
Rovers made the journey down to Watson Reserve in Ashburton looking to improve on the last meeting between the two sides when Ashburton had taken the points in a 4-2 win at Anderson Park.
Adam Bove recovered from his bout of flu to take up his customary position in goal. The back four welcomed back Dominic Curulli after his back injury where he lined up alongside Michael Kil, with Jarryd Pickard and Marc Graziani at fullback. In midfield, Karl Pimlott started on the right, Jeffrey Xu on the left with Ben Vernes and Oskar Petersson in the middle. Ian Branch partnered leading goalscorer Trevor Bird up front.
Rovers kicked off and within seconds Trevor Bird had forced the Ashburton keeper into a save. With Rovers playing the ball about well, it didn't take long to open their account. Karl Pimlott played a well-timed ball through the inside-left channel for Ian Branch who turned and shot low to the keeper's left. The keeper got down well but could only parry the ball out to Jeffrey Xu who calmly chipped the ball into the unguarded net to give Rovers an early 1-0 lead.
Rovers continued to press and won a succession of corners but were unable to pierce the massed ranks of the Ashburton defence. On 13 minutes, Karl Pimlott picked up the ball near t
he right-hand corner flag and beat two defenders before shooting at the near post. The keeper saved well and Trevor Bird pushed home the loose ball only to be ruled offside by the referee.
Two minutes later Ashburton were level. A long ball out of defence was seized on by the Ashburton striker who beat Dominic Curulli to the ball and confidently slipped the ball past an onrushing Adam Bove to make the score 1-1. Rovers, however, were not knocked out of their stride and continued to press for a second goal. A cross from the right caused panic in the Ashburton defence who were unable to clear the ball out, but a clash of heads between Jeffrey Xu and Ian Branch stopped the play, with the latter needing to be replaced up front by Gareth Tanner.
On 21 minutes, Rovers regained their lead . Jeffrey Xu, impressive on the left flank, beat his man and laid the ball inside to Gareth Tanner who in turn found the hard-working Oskar Petersson. He passed to Ben Vernes on the edge of the box whose shot bobbled through a crowd of players and evaded the keeper to make the score 2-1.
Three minutes later, Ben Vernes picked the ball up in the centre circle and, unchallenged, advanc
ed to the edge of the Ashburton penalty area and drove the ball into the top right of the Ashburton goal giving their keeper no chance - a contender for goal of the season. With a 3-1 lead Rovers continued to press forward. Michael Kil intercepted a pass in the centre of the field and found Jeffrey Xu out on the left. He cut in and shot forcing the keeper into a smart save at the near post. The ball fell to Gareth Tanner who put the ball just wide.
On 33 minutes a fine run and cross from Jeffrey Xu evaded the onrushing Rovers strikers and a minute later Trevor Bird hit the post with a snapshot on the turn. Ben Vernes met the resulting corner by Ashley Stevenson with a firm header but the ball just cleared the crossbar. With Jeffrey Xu and Ashley Stevenson impressing on the wings, the Ashburton players were pleased to hear the half-time whistle.
Half-time: Ashburton 1-3 Rovers
With Dominic Curulli feeling a twinge in his back, he was replaced for the second half by Ali Sajadi, with Marc Graziani moving into the middle. Kenneth Ng replaced Jeffrey Xu on the left. Rovers started the second half as they finished the first, with Oskar Petersson shooting narrowly over.
On 45 minutes, Ashburton won a free kick 30 metres from goal. The Ashburton striker shot for the top corner and brought a wonderful save from Adam Bove who somehow managed to tip the ball over the bar.
Three minutes later, Rovers increased their lead with Oskar Petersson finding Ashley Stevenson at the far post and he drove the ball past the keeper to make the score 4-1.
On 62 minutes, Oskar Petersson played a delightful through-ball inside the fullback for Kenneth Ng but he was just beaten to the ball by the Ashburton keeper, quickly off his line. Three minutes later Kenneth Ng returned the favour with a quick throw-in to Oskar Petersson whose shot from the edge of the box beat the keeper to give Rovers a 5-1 lead.
Gareth Tanner then knocked a through ball through for Oskar Petersson who beat the onrushing keeper but the ball rolled just wide of the post. On 76 minutes, Karl Pimlott, impressing in a holding role in front of the defence made a fine sliding tackle in front of goal but the referee awarded Ashburton a penalty and their player gave Adam Bove no chance with a shot high into the top corner to make it 5-2.
However, Rovers were not finished and a quick turn in the box by Trevor Bird allowed him to find Ian Branch who shot confidently from 15 metres to give a final score of Ashburton 2-6 Rovers. The win moved Rovers up to fourth on the ladder, just a point from second spot.
Goals:Jeffrey Xu, Ben Vernes (2), Ashley Stevenson, Oskar Petersson, Ian Branch
Rovers made the journey down to Watson Reserve in Ashburton looking to improve on the last meeting between the two sides when Ashburton had taken the points in a 4-2 win at Anderson Park.
Adam Bove recovered from his bout of flu to take up his customary position in goal. The back four welcomed back Dominic Curulli after his back injury where he lined up alongside Michael Kil, with Jarryd Pickard and Marc Graziani at fullback. In midfield, Karl Pimlott started on the right, Jeffrey Xu on the left with Ben Vernes and Oskar Petersson in the middle. Ian Branch partnered leading goalscorer Trevor Bird up front.Rovers kicked off and within seconds Trevor Bird had forced the Ashburton keeper into a save. With Rovers playing the ball about well, it didn't take long to open their account. Karl Pimlott played a well-timed ball through the inside-left channel for Ian Branch who turned and shot low to the keeper's left. The keeper got down well but could only parry the ball out to Jeffrey Xu who calmly chipped the ball into the unguarded net to give Rovers an early 1-0 lead.
Rovers continued to press and won a succession of corners but were unable to pierce the massed ranks of the Ashburton defence. On 13 minutes, Karl Pimlott picked up the ball near t
he right-hand corner flag and beat two defenders before shooting at the near post. The keeper saved well and Trevor Bird pushed home the loose ball only to be ruled offside by the referee.Two minutes later Ashburton were level. A long ball out of defence was seized on by the Ashburton striker who beat Dominic Curulli to the ball and confidently slipped the ball past an onrushing Adam Bove to make the score 1-1. Rovers, however, were not knocked out of their stride and continued to press for a second goal. A cross from the right caused panic in the Ashburton defence who were unable to clear the ball out, but a clash of heads between Jeffrey Xu and Ian Branch stopped the play, with the latter needing to be replaced up front by Gareth Tanner.
On 21 minutes, Rovers regained their lead . Jeffrey Xu, impressive on the left flank, beat his man and laid the ball inside to Gareth Tanner who in turn found the hard-working Oskar Petersson. He passed to Ben Vernes on the edge of the box whose shot bobbled through a crowd of players and evaded the keeper to make the score 2-1.
Three minutes later, Ben Vernes picked the ball up in the centre circle and, unchallenged, advanc
ed to the edge of the Ashburton penalty area and drove the ball into the top right of the Ashburton goal giving their keeper no chance - a contender for goal of the season. With a 3-1 lead Rovers continued to press forward. Michael Kil intercepted a pass in the centre of the field and found Jeffrey Xu out on the left. He cut in and shot forcing the keeper into a smart save at the near post. The ball fell to Gareth Tanner who put the ball just wide.On 33 minutes a fine run and cross from Jeffrey Xu evaded the onrushing Rovers strikers and a minute later Trevor Bird hit the post with a snapshot on the turn. Ben Vernes met the resulting corner by Ashley Stevenson with a firm header but the ball just cleared the crossbar. With Jeffrey Xu and Ashley Stevenson impressing on the wings, the Ashburton players were pleased to hear the half-time whistle.
Half-time: Ashburton 1-3 Rovers
With Dominic Curulli feeling a twinge in his back, he was replaced for the second half by Ali Sajadi, with Marc Graziani moving into the middle. Kenneth Ng replaced Jeffrey Xu on the left. Rovers started the second half as they finished the first, with Oskar Petersson shooting narrowly over.
On 45 minutes, Ashburton won a free kick 30 metres from goal. The Ashburton striker shot for the top corner and brought a wonderful save from Adam Bove who somehow managed to tip the ball over the bar.
Three minutes later, Rovers increased their lead with Oskar Petersson finding Ashley Stevenson at the far post and he drove the ball past the keeper to make the score 4-1.
On 62 minutes, Oskar Petersson played a delightful through-ball inside the fullback for Kenneth Ng but he was just beaten to the ball by the Ashburton keeper, quickly off his line. Three minutes later Kenneth Ng returned the favour with a quick throw-in to Oskar Petersson whose shot from the edge of the box beat the keeper to give Rovers a 5-1 lead.
Gareth Tanner then knocked a through ball through for Oskar Petersson who beat the onrushing keeper but the ball rolled just wide of the post. On 76 minutes, Karl Pimlott, impressing in a holding role in front of the defence made a fine sliding tackle in front of goal but the referee awarded Ashburton a penalty and their player gave Adam Bove no chance with a shot high into the top corner to make it 5-2.
However, Rovers were not finished and a quick turn in the box by Trevor Bird allowed him to find Ian Branch who shot confidently from 15 metres to give a final score of Ashburton 2-6 Rovers. The win moved Rovers up to fourth on the ladder, just a point from second spot.
Week 13 Roundup
North Caulfield increased their lead at the top of the table with a convincing 4-0 win at Ringwood. Ashburton were held to a 3-3 draw at Richmond while Boroondara lost 2-0 at home to Knox City. With Rovers 7-1 win over Sherbrooke, the battle for 2nd place heated up with only two points separating 2nd from 5th.
In the other match, Boronia beat Mooroolbark 4-0.
In the other match, Boronia beat Mooroolbark 4-0.
Back to Winning Ways
29th July - Doncaster Rovers 7-1 Sherbrooke Rangers
Goals: Trevor Bird (3), Oskar Petersson (2), Michael Kil, Ben Vernes
On Sunday, Rovers were aiming to get back to winning ways after their disappointing draw at Mooroolbark the week before. It was a welcome return to Anderson Park for a home game for the first time in four weeks and Rovers were hoping for a repeat of the corresponding away fixture when they won comfortably, 6-1.
With Dominic Curulli still ruled out, Rovers started with a 3-4-3 formation. Jarryd Pickard, Michael Kil and Marc Graziani lined up in front of Adam Bove in goal, Ben Vernes, Oskar Petersson, Karl Pimlott and Ian Branch in midfield and a front three was spearheaded by leading goalscorer Trevor Bird with Gareth Tanner and Jeffrey Xu.
Rovers started the game in positive fashion quickly winning two corners which they were unable to capitalise on. However, they didn't have to wait long to get off the mark. A quick throw from Gareth Tanner, deep in Sherbrooke territory found Oskar Petersson in space. A pass inside found Karl Pimlott who quickly released Trevor Bird who converted comfortably from close range to give Rovers a 1-0 lead.
With their confidence high, Rovers pressed forward and Gareth Tanner was unlucky to see his shot fly wide after a surging run. On 11 minutes, Rovers were awarded a corner on the right. Gareth Tanner swung the ball over to the far post where it was met with a firm header from Oskar Petersson arriving late into
the box to give Rovers their second goal.
Rovers continued to dominate the game creating plenty of chances. In the 20th minute Oskar Petersson almost added a third with a thumping drive against the post and the Sherbrooke keeper saving his follow-up effort well. Minutes later Trevor Bird broke away down the right and his low cross across the six yard box just eluded Karl Pimlott, Ian Branch and Jeffrey Xu with the Sherbrooke defence nowhere.
On 30 minutes Rovers scored their third. A long throw from Gareth Tanner into the box found Trevor Bird who slipped the ball into the net past the keeper for his second of the game. Sherbrooke came back with a goal three minutes later to keep themselves in the game. After long ball out of defence, the bounce deceived the Rovers defence and the Sherbrooke striker took the ball on and drove the ball home from the edge of the box giving Adam Bove no chance.
With the first half drawing to a close, Rovers weren't finished. Another perfectly timed run by Oskar Petersson saw him arriving at the near post to meet a Gareth Tanner corner and flick it into the net for his second and Rovers' fourth. Straight from the kick-off, Rovers won the ball back, and after good work from Karl Pimlott, the ball fell to Ben Vernes, whose volley was brilliantly saved by the Sherbrooke keeper.
Half time: Rovers 4-1 Sherbrooke
Bill Vassiliou rang the changes at half-time, with Ali Sajadi slotting in at left back, Marc Graziani moving to the centre and Michael Kil moving up front to join Trevor Bird and Ashley Stevenson and Kenneth Ng lining up on the right.
The half-time coffee was still piping hot when Rovers added a fifth, Trevor Bird latching onto a through ball to complete his hat-trick with a well taken goal. A minute later, Karl Pimlott was unlucky to see his drive just clear the bar and in the 47th minutes, Rovers scored a sixth with the goal of the game. A slick passing move between Jarryd Pickard and Oskar Petersson put Michael Kil through and he finished confidently from 15 metres. Minutes later, he had the ball in the net again from close range but was adjudged offside and the goal was ruled out.
Chances continued to fall to Rovers, Ashley Stevenson shot narrowly over and Oskar Petersson had a wonderful chance to score the second hat-trick of the game. He picked the ball up on the half-way line and with Sherbrooke pushing up, knocked the ball over the top and raced clear. With the Sherbrooke keeper rushing out to narrow the angle, Petersson shot for the far post and the ball rolled agonisingly wide.
On 62 minutes a long throw from Gareth Tanner found Ian Branch in space with his back to goal. He laid it off to an inrushing Michael Kil and his shot flew just wide of the far post. A minute later he almost scored again after latching onto a pass from Gareth Tanner and again, his shot was just off target. Ian Branch then went close twice with the keeper making fine saves low to his left.
Finally, on 71 minutes, Rovers added a seventh. A throw from Gareth Tanner was headed on at the near post by Ashley Stevenson and Ben Vernes, unmarked in front of goal, calmly lifted the ball over the keeper.
With the game in the final minutes, Adam Bove had to be alert for a rare Sherbrooke chance and made a fine diving stop to prevent Sherbrooke adding a second goal. In the last minute, a layoff from Ashley Stevenson gave Gareth Tanner a chance but his shot just clipped the top of the bar.
The game ended with Rovers comfortable winners, 7-1, in confident mood for a run of games against the Division's top sides, starting next week with a visit to Ashburton.
Goals: Trevor Bird (3), Oskar Petersson (2), Michael Kil, Ben Vernes
On Sunday, Rovers were aiming to get back to winning ways after their disappointing draw at Mooroolbark the week before. It was a welcome return to Anderson Park for a home game for the first time in four weeks and Rovers were hoping for a repeat of the corresponding away fixture when they won comfortably, 6-1.
With Dominic Curulli still ruled out, Rovers started with a 3-4-3 formation. Jarryd Pickard, Michael Kil and Marc Graziani lined up in front of Adam Bove in goal, Ben Vernes, Oskar Petersson, Karl Pimlott and Ian Branch in midfield and a front three was spearheaded by leading goalscorer Trevor Bird with Gareth Tanner and Jeffrey Xu.Rovers started the game in positive fashion quickly winning two corners which they were unable to capitalise on. However, they didn't have to wait long to get off the mark. A quick throw from Gareth Tanner, deep in Sherbrooke territory found Oskar Petersson in space. A pass inside found Karl Pimlott who quickly released Trevor Bird who converted comfortably from close range to give Rovers a 1-0 lead.
With their confidence high, Rovers pressed forward and Gareth Tanner was unlucky to see his shot fly wide after a surging run. On 11 minutes, Rovers were awarded a corner on the right. Gareth Tanner swung the ball over to the far post where it was met with a firm header from Oskar Petersson arriving late into
the box to give Rovers their second goal.Rovers continued to dominate the game creating plenty of chances. In the 20th minute Oskar Petersson almost added a third with a thumping drive against the post and the Sherbrooke keeper saving his follow-up effort well. Minutes later Trevor Bird broke away down the right and his low cross across the six yard box just eluded Karl Pimlott, Ian Branch and Jeffrey Xu with the Sherbrooke defence nowhere.
On 30 minutes Rovers scored their third. A long throw from Gareth Tanner into the box found Trevor Bird who slipped the ball into the net past the keeper for his second of the game. Sherbrooke came back with a goal three minutes later to keep themselves in the game. After long ball out of defence, the bounce deceived the Rovers defence and the Sherbrooke striker took the ball on and drove the ball home from the edge of the box giving Adam Bove no chance.
With the first half drawing to a close, Rovers weren't finished. Another perfectly timed run by Oskar Petersson saw him arriving at the near post to meet a Gareth Tanner corner and flick it into the net for his second and Rovers' fourth. Straight from the kick-off, Rovers won the ball back, and after good work from Karl Pimlott, the ball fell to Ben Vernes, whose volley was brilliantly saved by the Sherbrooke keeper.
Half time: Rovers 4-1 Sherbrooke
Bill Vassiliou rang the changes at half-time, with Ali Sajadi slotting in at left back, Marc Graziani moving to the centre and Michael Kil moving up front to join Trevor Bird and Ashley Stevenson and Kenneth Ng lining up on the right.
The half-time coffee was still piping hot when Rovers added a fifth, Trevor Bird latching onto a through ball to complete his hat-trick with a well taken goal. A minute later, Karl Pimlott was unlucky to see his drive just clear the bar and in the 47th minutes, Rovers scored a sixth with the goal of the game. A slick passing move between Jarryd Pickard and Oskar Petersson put Michael Kil through and he finished confidently from 15 metres. Minutes later, he had the ball in the net again from close range but was adjudged offside and the goal was ruled out.
Chances continued to fall to Rovers, Ashley Stevenson shot narrowly over and Oskar Petersson had a wonderful chance to score the second hat-trick of the game. He picked the ball up on the half-way line and with Sherbrooke pushing up, knocked the ball over the top and raced clear. With the Sherbrooke keeper rushing out to narrow the angle, Petersson shot for the far post and the ball rolled agonisingly wide.
On 62 minutes a long throw from Gareth Tanner found Ian Branch in space with his back to goal. He laid it off to an inrushing Michael Kil and his shot flew just wide of the far post. A minute later he almost scored again after latching onto a pass from Gareth Tanner and again, his shot was just off target. Ian Branch then went close twice with the keeper making fine saves low to his left.
Finally, on 71 minutes, Rovers added a seventh. A throw from Gareth Tanner was headed on at the near post by Ashley Stevenson and Ben Vernes, unmarked in front of goal, calmly lifted the ball over the keeper.
With the game in the final minutes, Adam Bove had to be alert for a rare Sherbrooke chance and made a fine diving stop to prevent Sherbrooke adding a second goal. In the last minute, a layoff from Ashley Stevenson gave Gareth Tanner a chance but his shot just clipped the top of the bar.
The game ended with Rovers comfortable winners, 7-1, in confident mood for a run of games against the Division's top sides, starting next week with a visit to Ashburton.
Week 12 Roundup
North Caulfield kept up the pace for the title with a comfortable 3-0 home win against Boronia. Boroondara Lions closed the gap on Ashburton in 2nd place to a two points with an impressive 2-0 win at Ashburton.
Knox City overran Ringwood 6-0 at home and Richmond condemned Sherbrooke Rangers to another home defeat with a 3-0 win. Mooroolbark gained only their second point of the season with the 1-1 draw at home to Rovers dropping Rovers to 5th place.
Knox City overran Ringwood 6-0 at home and Richmond condemned Sherbrooke Rangers to another home defeat with a 3-0 win. Mooroolbark gained only their second point of the season with the 1-1 draw at home to Rovers dropping Rovers to 5th place.
A Surprise Setback
22nd July - Mooroolbark 1-1 Doncaster Rovers
Goal: Trevor Bird
On Sunday, Rovers were looking for a positive follow-up to their come-from-behind win against Richmond last week, with a good performance against struggling Mooroolbark.
Rovers won the toss and elected to kick up the slight hill in the first half. Against an enthusiastic Mooroolbark side, they found it difficult to get into any rhythm and chances were being created at both ends. A last ditch tackle by the hard-working Michael Kil prevented an early chance and a fine blocking save from Adam Bove kept the game scoreless. At the other end, Rovers were unable to benefit from several goalmouth scrambles and a couple of half-chances which fell to Trevor Bird and Karl Pimlott were eventually cleared.
After 25 minutes, Mooroolbark opened the scoring with a towering header from a corner which left Adam Bove with no chance. As the half drew to a close, Oskar Petersson thought he'd leveled the score but the Mooroolbark keeper miraculously turned his ferocious shot onto the bar. As the half-time whistle blew, Rovers left the field disappointed to be trailing.
The second half kicked off with Mooroolbark quickly closing down the space and making it difficult to for Rovers to play. However, five minutes into the half, a sweeping move involving Michael Kil, Ben Vernes, Oskar Petersson and Karl Pimlott put Trevor Bird clear but the Mooroolbark keeper, playing a blinder, was off his line quickly to snuff out the danger.
Mooroolbark were still creating chances and excellent work by Jarryd Pickard, Marc Graziani and Michael Kil were keeping them out of range. With 15 minutes to go, Michael Kil stopped an almost certain goal with an excellently timed slide tackle though the referee disagreed and awarded a free kick just outside the box. The wall did its job however and the ball was cleared.
With ten minutes to go Rovers never-say-die attitude finally paid dividends. Karl Pimlott cleverly released Trevor Bird with a fine through ball and Bird calmly beat the keeper from 15 metres to level the scores.
The game finished 1-1 with battling Mooroolbark fully deserving only their second point of the season. Rovers are now fifth on the ladder on goal difference behind Knox.
Goal: Trevor Bird
On Sunday, Rovers were looking for a positive follow-up to their come-from-behind win against Richmond last week, with a good performance against struggling Mooroolbark.
Rovers won the toss and elected to kick up the slight hill in the first half. Against an enthusiastic Mooroolbark side, they found it difficult to get into any rhythm and chances were being created at both ends. A last ditch tackle by the hard-working Michael Kil prevented an early chance and a fine blocking save from Adam Bove kept the game scoreless. At the other end, Rovers were unable to benefit from several goalmouth scrambles and a couple of half-chances which fell to Trevor Bird and Karl Pimlott were eventually cleared.
After 25 minutes, Mooroolbark opened the scoring with a towering header from a corner which left Adam Bove with no chance. As the half drew to a close, Oskar Petersson thought he'd leveled the score but the Mooroolbark keeper miraculously turned his ferocious shot onto the bar. As the half-time whistle blew, Rovers left the field disappointed to be trailing.The second half kicked off with Mooroolbark quickly closing down the space and making it difficult to for Rovers to play. However, five minutes into the half, a sweeping move involving Michael Kil, Ben Vernes, Oskar Petersson and Karl Pimlott put Trevor Bird clear but the Mooroolbark keeper, playing a blinder, was off his line quickly to snuff out the danger.
Mooroolbark were still creating chances and excellent work by Jarryd Pickard, Marc Graziani and Michael Kil were keeping them out of range. With 15 minutes to go, Michael Kil stopped an almost certain goal with an excellently timed slide tackle though the referee disagreed and awarded a free kick just outside the box. The wall did its job however and the ball was cleared.
With ten minutes to go Rovers never-say-die attitude finally paid dividends. Karl Pimlott cleverly released Trevor Bird with a fine through ball and Bird calmly beat the keeper from 15 metres to level the scores.
The game finished 1-1 with battling Mooroolbark fully deserving only their second point of the season. Rovers are now fifth on the ladder on goal difference behind Knox.
Week 11 Roundup
North Caulfield boosted their already healthy goal difference with an 8-0 win at home to Mooroolbark. The biggest win of the day, however, went top Boroondara Lions, who thumped Sherbrooke Rangers 12-2 to stay in 3rd place. Ashburton won 3-2 at Ringwood to keep the pressure on in 2nd place and Knox City won well 4-1 at Boronia. Rovers 3-2 win at Richmond kept them in 4th place.
A Great Fightback
15th July - Richmond 2-3 Doncaster Rovers
Goals: Trevor Bird, Jeffrey Xu (2)
After an enforced break of two weeks, due to a forfeit and a postponed game, Rovers returned to action on Sunday with a journey down to the banks of the Yarra for the game at the Kevin Bartlett Reserve in Richmond.
Rovers were missing Dominic Curulli, still sidelined with a back injury but welcomed, for his debut, Oskar Petersson, recently arrived from Sweden. With the main pitch out of action due to the heavy rains of recent days, the B pitch, uneven with very little grass cover was used.
The match kicked off at 3.15 and fears that Rovers would be rusty from their three week break were soon realised with Richmond grabbing an early goal from a free kick. Rovers pushed hard for an equaliser and penalty appeals were turned down as both Trevor Bird and Oskar Petersson were, in turn, hauled down in the area. Rovers weren't having it all their own way, however,
and Adam Bove made a fine save after Richmond broke clear. Ten minutes before half-time, Rovers were harshly adjudged to have handled in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot bringing back memories of the reverse encounter at Anderson Park. The penalty was struck firmly to Adam Bove's left and although he got his hands to the ball, he couldn't prevent it rolling into the net to give Richmond a 2-0 lead.
Despite the deficit there were bright spots in the first half display. Michael Kil was impressive at centre back, Marc Graziani was taking no prisoners at left back and Oskar Petersson was working hard in midfield and showing some neat touches and good vision. The team were not downhearted and an early goal in the second half would open the game right up.
Rovers reshuffled their lineup for the start of the second period with Gareth Tanner moving back to centre back, Ben Vernes moving into midfield and Ashley Stevenson partnering Trevor Bird up front. With Rovers starting impressively, it didn't take long for the breakthrough to arrive. Karl Pimlott, working hard in midfield, released Trevor Bird who shot across the keeper into the bottom left-hand corner to bring the score back to 2-1. Rovers really had their tails up now and started to press hard for the equaliser.
With Jarryd Pickard, Gareth Tanner, Michael Kil and Marc Graziani keeping it tight at the back, Richmond were now finding it hard to make an impression. After 20 minutes, Karl Pimlott was moved up front to replace Ashley Stevenson and Jeffrey Xu was introduced on the right and within two minutes had scored Rovers' second goal. Ian Branch released Oskar Petersson down the left with a perfectly weighted pass. Petersson then beat his fullback and crossed the ball low across the area for Xu to slot home at the near post. Rovers were now back on level terms and in complete control.
Five minutes later, Rovers were awarded a free kick 35 metres out, in front of the go
al. Karl Pimlott slipped as he took his shot and it looped over the wall. Richmond were unable to get the ball clear and it fell to Jeffrey Xu who drove the ball into the corner of the net for his second and Rovers third.
Ian Branch was then injured in a heavy challenge from two Richmond players and was replaced by Ashley Stevenson who quickly set up Ben Vernes for a shot which flew narrowly wide. Jarryd Pickard then limped off to be replaced by Kenneth Ng. However, with Michael Kil and Gareth Tanner in dominant form at the centre of defence and Marc Graziani playing his best game of the season Richmond were unable to threaten Adam Bove's goal and the match finished with the final score of Richmond 2-3 Rovers.
Goals: Trevor Bird, Jeffrey Xu (2)
After an enforced break of two weeks, due to a forfeit and a postponed game, Rovers returned to action on Sunday with a journey down to the banks of the Yarra for the game at the Kevin Bartlett Reserve in Richmond.
Rovers were missing Dominic Curulli, still sidelined with a back injury but welcomed, for his debut, Oskar Petersson, recently arrived from Sweden. With the main pitch out of action due to the heavy rains of recent days, the B pitch, uneven with very little grass cover was used.
The match kicked off at 3.15 and fears that Rovers would be rusty from their three week break were soon realised with Richmond grabbing an early goal from a free kick. Rovers pushed hard for an equaliser and penalty appeals were turned down as both Trevor Bird and Oskar Petersson were, in turn, hauled down in the area. Rovers weren't having it all their own way, however,
and Adam Bove made a fine save after Richmond broke clear. Ten minutes before half-time, Rovers were harshly adjudged to have handled in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot bringing back memories of the reverse encounter at Anderson Park. The penalty was struck firmly to Adam Bove's left and although he got his hands to the ball, he couldn't prevent it rolling into the net to give Richmond a 2-0 lead.Despite the deficit there were bright spots in the first half display. Michael Kil was impressive at centre back, Marc Graziani was taking no prisoners at left back and Oskar Petersson was working hard in midfield and showing some neat touches and good vision. The team were not downhearted and an early goal in the second half would open the game right up.
Rovers reshuffled their lineup for the start of the second period with Gareth Tanner moving back to centre back, Ben Vernes moving into midfield and Ashley Stevenson partnering Trevor Bird up front. With Rovers starting impressively, it didn't take long for the breakthrough to arrive. Karl Pimlott, working hard in midfield, released Trevor Bird who shot across the keeper into the bottom left-hand corner to bring the score back to 2-1. Rovers really had their tails up now and started to press hard for the equaliser.
With Jarryd Pickard, Gareth Tanner, Michael Kil and Marc Graziani keeping it tight at the back, Richmond were now finding it hard to make an impression. After 20 minutes, Karl Pimlott was moved up front to replace Ashley Stevenson and Jeffrey Xu was introduced on the right and within two minutes had scored Rovers' second goal. Ian Branch released Oskar Petersson down the left with a perfectly weighted pass. Petersson then beat his fullback and crossed the ball low across the area for Xu to slot home at the near post. Rovers were now back on level terms and in complete control.
Five minutes later, Rovers were awarded a free kick 35 metres out, in front of the go
al. Karl Pimlott slipped as he took his shot and it looped over the wall. Richmond were unable to get the ball clear and it fell to Jeffrey Xu who drove the ball into the corner of the net for his second and Rovers third.Ian Branch was then injured in a heavy challenge from two Richmond players and was replaced by Ashley Stevenson who quickly set up Ben Vernes for a shot which flew narrowly wide. Jarryd Pickard then limped off to be replaced by Kenneth Ng. However, with Michael Kil and Gareth Tanner in dominant form at the centre of defence and Marc Graziani playing his best game of the season Richmond were unable to threaten Adam Bove's goal and the match finished with the final score of Richmond 2-3 Rovers.
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