Our U13Bs faced St Anthony's A this morning at Finn Park in their first league encounter of the season.
With a depleted squad, Rovers relied on the help of some U12 players to fill the gaps. Rovers started the game strongly and were unlucky not to take an early lead, coming close to being 2-0 up within the first 5 minutes. A through ball from Charlie Gill set up Luca Shields, our centre half playing as a makeshift centre forward, but the St Anthony's keeper made a good save to deny him. Shortly after, Luca Shields again threatened, receiving a nice pass from Bella Connolly, but the keeper was once again equal to the task.
The game settled into a tighter affair, with both sides finding it difficult to break the deadlock. Both backlines and keepers performed well, ensuring the game remained scoreless at halftime.
The second half mirrored the first, with neither team gaining a clear advantage until a controversial moment midway through the half. Larry Brophy rounded the St Anthony's keeper and was taken down in the penalty area. The referee initially pointed to the spot but then changed his decision, awarding a free kick out instead, much to the dismay of the Rovers team and supporters.
In the dying minutes, St Anthony's managed to find the crucial goal, scoring with a well-placed strike into the top corner. It proved to be the decisive moment in a game where chances were at a premium.
Despite the result, the team can be proud of their performance. It was a strong showing from this new squad, who are improving with every game, and their attitude has been fantastic.
A big thank you to the U12 players – Jamie O'Malley, Larry Brophy, and Avery Gould – for stepping up and helping out today.
Thanks to St Anthony's for the game.
With a depleted squad, Rovers relied on the help of some U12 players to fill the gaps. Rovers started the game strongly and were unlucky not to take an early lead, coming close to being 2-0 up within the first 5 minutes. A through ball from Charlie Gill set up Luca Shields, our centre half playing as a makeshift centre forward, but the St Anthony's keeper made a good save to deny him. Shortly after, Luca Shields again threatened, receiving a nice pass from Bella Connolly, but the keeper was once again equal to the task.
The game settled into a tighter affair, with both sides finding it difficult to break the deadlock. Both backlines and keepers performed well, ensuring the game remained scoreless at halftime.
The second half mirrored the first, with neither team gaining a clear advantage until a controversial moment midway through the half. Larry Brophy rounded the St Anthony's keeper and was taken down in the penalty area. The referee initially pointed to the spot but then changed his decision, awarding a free kick out instead, much to the dismay of the Rovers team and supporters.
In the dying minutes, St Anthony's managed to find the crucial goal, scoring with a well-placed strike into the top corner. It proved to be the decisive moment in a game where chances were at a premium.
Despite the result, the team can be proud of their performance. It was a strong showing from this new squad, who are improving with every game, and their attitude has been fantastic.
A big thank you to the U12 players – Jamie O'Malley, Larry Brophy, and Avery Gould – for stepping up and helping out today.
Thanks to St Anthony's for the game.
