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 goal. 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.