Rovers got off to a flying start in this match, with Joe C narrowly missing a shot at goal, the ball dipping just over the bar. However, Cleeve’s no. 9 was a constant threat and caused Owen and Charlotte major problems early on, but Henry was able to deal with the Cleeve threat.
(Owen looks to deal with a high, long ball from the Cleeve defence.)
Will made a break through the middle of the Cleeve defence but was unlucky to see his shot pass wide of the upright.
Cleeve came back and following a corner, the Cleeve number 8 saw his curling effort deflect off the outside of the Rovers’ post.
Again Will went on a rampaging run, but a last ditch tackle from the Cleeve defender stopped him as he was about to unleash his shot.
Cleeve attacked once more and following a long punt up field, the Rovers defence were unable to clear their lines. The Cleeve forward was through on goal and calmly side footed the ball passed Henry.
A free kick to Cleeve outside the Rovers area went close to adding to the score, and following a clearance from Finn, now playing in defence, and another save by Henry, Cleeve doubled their advantage. A through ball from the Cleeve midfield split the Rovers defence and again the Cleeve No. 9 was able to score despite a last desperate attempt by Joe C to prevent him.
Rovers needed to respond and a lovely pass from Joe C sent Dewi on one of his rampaging runs. Unfortunately for Rovers the Cleeve goalkeeper was able to save well to his right.
Unfortunately worse was to follow for Rovers as Cleeve scored a 3rd goal just before half time. Again a 4 on 2 advantage left Henry and the defence with no chance.
As Rovers pushed forward at the start of the second half in an attempt to claw back the scores, the defence was left exposed and Cleeve were able to score another two goals, pushing the score to 5 – 0.
A handball by Finn (maybe forgetting he was not in goal) in the Rovers area that was only noticed by the referee, led cruelly to a Cleeve penalty. In sympathy, the Cleeve number 10 put the resultant spot kick wide.
Rovers seemed to respond to the injustice, and after a couple of ‘scrambles’ in the Cleeve goal mouth where Ben and Ollie were unable to find the final touch to bundle the ball into the net, Will scored for Rovers and restored some hope. The goal followed some wonderful link up play between Tim and Ben. Tim played the ball to the right wing, where Ben looked up and passed inside to Will on the edge of the Cleeve area. Will’s first time side foot shot sneaked inside the left hand Cleeve upright.
(It just won't go in! Ben and Ollie try to bundle the ball over the line.)
Rovers found some confidence and Tim was unlucky to see an attempted curled shot go wide.
Cleeve responded, and Henry, making his league debut as goalkeeper had to make a series of good saves from the Cleeve number 8.
Another goal seemed likely though and a cross from the right led to a perfectly timed volley flying into the top corner of the Rovers net, leaving Henry with no chance.
There was still time for more though and with Rovers pushing forward another 4 on 2 situation developed and Cleeve were able to extend the score to 7 – 1.
With almost the last kick of the game, Will’s shot narrowly missed the goal.
The referee blew the final whistle and the team reflected on Tim’s lucky pants not having the desired effect.
