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.