HILLIERS ATHLETIC 1-0 GRANGE ROVERS: AN END OF TERM PERFORMANCE AT THE END OF EXCELLENT YEAR.

MOTM Riley

It was a disappointing result for Grange a Rovers to take into the Christmas break. The one-nil reverse was probably a fair reflection of the game and it allows Warren Town bragging rights in the first half of the season league table as they have an unassailable four point lead with one match to play in January.

The match was won with a single goal from Lucas in the second half. With Luke unwell and sidelined 

and Sean a no-show, Grange Rovers seemed to lack any energy, perhaps tired from the term at school, perhaps over-confident after a tremendous run of results. Josh had a good first half in goal and an injury to Jack B saw him come off for a while and go between the sticks in the second half. The standout player on the pitch was Riley,who never stopped running, and Tyrell and Hayden who were reliable in defence. Jack F tried hard to inject some energy, but to no avail.

It is important that the players reflect on more than their last game.

The last year has seen them win the Six-a-side tournament, lift the plate and the league runners-up trophy,and get more players into the Nationals squad than any other side. 

In the current season we have already secured a place in the cup final and will finish the first half season in second place. 

We have said goodbye to George and "Save as Houses" Tom and welcomed Hayden, Mus and Luke to the Rovers family. We are playing in a far more competitive league, and have more than held our own as the side with the youngest average age. 

More importantly, Rovers have applied themselves with a smile, with spirit, and with a friendly regard for all our opponents. Just maybe Santa and Red Door Homes, our sponsor, may have one more suprise for the team in 2013.....

The lads in orange should look forward with optimism to 2014. COYOs.

CAREW RANGERS 1- 2 GRANGE ROVERS. A HARD WON VICTORY

Alfie (2)

MOTM Josh

Carew Rangers would be right to feel a little bit hard done by after today's 2-1 defeat to Rovers, but in the end it was probably just about the right result.

The team in blue started the strongest and with their aerial bombardment finding Cameron's chest or head and Yasin's angled runs, Chris changed the formation early on, pulling Jack B back from his starting birth in midfield in order to sweep up behind the defence. 

Alongside Jack B, Hayden and Tyrell began to find their feet and Rovers managed relieve the pressure and create some of their own.

Behind them Josh made his first ever start in goal having impressed there in training and continued to impress making some vital saves. 

On one occasion Josh made a save worthy of

 the MOTM award all on its own and Jack B won three defensive headers in a row and then smashed the ball clear.

It was unfortunate that soon after as Rovers settled into the game a Blue corner found Yasin unmarked at the far post and he rose to head home, there was nothing Josh could have done. 

It was certainly a wake up call for the boys in Orange and marking at set plays is something the management team will want to work on.

It was at this point that Rovers woke up and started to push forward. Luke was unlucky with a through ball that he latched on to just bouncing wide of the post.

In the second half Rovers committed more men forward, chasing the game, and a quality through ball from Riley unlocked the defence and allowed Alfie to even the score. 

Variously Mus, Dorrell, Jack D and Jack F worked to shut the ball down in midfield and the momentum began to shift. After a sustained period of pressure the ball broke from a clearance to the one man Rangers least wanted it to and Alfie scored his twentieth of the season and took Rovers into a slender lead. 

It was backs to the wall for the last few minutes as Rangers threw everything at the Rovers box, Cameron and Michael kept the pressure on and Sean, in goal for the second half, showed good hands on several occasions.  Josh came on for the injured Hayden and dropped into the back three and made some brave and vital blocks with Dorrell also dropping deep. Riley again showed vision to release Alfie who this time shot wide.

Jack B marshalled the defence though the last few minutes. With Josh and Tyrell battling beside him. 

It was at this period of the game that Chris delivered the managerial sentence of the season. "Put it anywhere...not there!" 

Riley and Jack B deserve honourable mentions the former for his vision in midfield and the later for his flexible and battling performance, Alfie continues to lead the scoring charts, but Josh earned his MOTM through his selfless and determined showing.

Warren Town won 2-1 so this win was massive as it keeps Rovers in the hunt, and with Carew not picking up points and Stafford only drawing opens up the gap below.

Carew Rangers vs Grange Rovers Preview.

It looks like the full squad might be avaliable against Rangers. They'll need to be on their mettle as they are yet to beat a well organised Royal Blues in normal time. 

While Rovers will have taken a lot of confidence from their big win of a fortnight ago, Rangers will bring a lot of positives from their narrow plate exit at the hands of Warren Town last week. Both teams will be hoping for all 3 points to keep their hopes of catching league leaders Town before the first half of the season is up.

A weekend off

It's the weekend of the Plate Semi-Finals so Grange Rovers are taking the opportunity to rest up and recharge the batteries for the rest of the season. There will no training on Saturday nor a match on Sunday.

WOODCOTE WANDERERS 0-5 GRANGE ROVERS. A PERFORMANCE TO BREAK THE 3 GOAL JINX

With the news that Warren Town had recorded a 4-0 win in the first game, it was important that Rovers recorded a win of their own in order to stay within a point of the leaders.

The first attack of the game made clear the team's intent. A flowing move on the left saw the ball drop to Alfie who,with just the keeper to beat,slotted home low and to the left. It was 1-0, and even as the management duo of Brad and Chris urged against complacency,Alfie turned provider and played Riley in on the right hand side of the box. His goal-bound drive took a deflection and beat the keeper to put the Rovers two up.

Rovers were unlucky not to immediately make it three as their confidence flowed and Woodcote looked shaken by the early pressure. First Mus, who was a handful all day, missed from close range, then Riley pulled one just wide after good work from Josh wide on the right. Woodcote started to build from the back and, with their confidence returning, were unlucky themselves on two occasions, with Jack B and Tyrell both clearing off the line after Luke had blocked with his feet.

Rovers fought back and Alfie scored his second and Rovers third from distance. It was the sort of goal that left everyone dumbstruck. Struck from outside the box it looped over the keeper and dipped just under the crossbar, to a momentary silence, as all those watching took in the quality of what they'd seen before both sets of spectators applauded the quality of the strike. 

There was time for one more piece of drama before the half ended as Jack B struck a loose ball from just inside the Woodcote half, in a carbon copy of a Jack F strike earlier in the season, with the same result, it struck the bar, bounced onto the goal line and was cleared. In both cases a more ridged goal construction might have lead to goals but it wasn't to be.

At half time Alfie took his first break of the season and Riley moved between the sticks, with Luke also taking a rest. 

In the absence of Riley and Alfie, Josh took a turn up top and, early in the half, his persistence, chasing down what looked like a lost cause, led to a fourth as he stabbed home, past the onrushing keeper. 

Dorrell, Jack D and Jack F along with Man of the Match Mus kept the pressure on from midfield with their energy and running. Luke and Alfie returned to the fray and with Luke acting as target man knocked a number of long balls down for Alfie to run on to as he chased yet another hat-trick. Eventually that pressure paid off as Alfie's shot was cleared and the ball broke to Jack B on the right. He made up for his first half miss by cutting back and, with the keeper off his line, steered the ball left footed into the net from well outside the box. Along with Alfie's in the first half,another goal of the season contender put the icing on the cake. 

Hayden had captained the team to their biggest win of the season with another mature central defensive display.

The clean sheet was a bonus as Rovers look to reduce the goal difference deficit inflicted on the first day and, for the first time, the Oranges finished a game scoring something other than three. With the shots coming from all sort of places, they proved they are not a one man team. 

The three points keep Warren Town looking over their shoulder in the run in to the end of the first half of the season. 

 

Alfie(2)

Riley 

Josh

Jack B

MOTM: Mus

Woodcote Wanderers vs Grange Rovers Preview 12:00 KO

Second vs Sixth looks, on paper, like it should be an easy game, but Rovers must must guard against that kind of complacency, because if the the last few weeks have proved anything, it is that anybody can beat anybody in this league. Woodcote have a technically excellent defence. George, Anna and Gif are potentially the equals of Rovers solid back line. 

Wiley management duo, Jerome and Travis know all about dangerman Alfie and will do what they can to neutralise his threat, but man marking him could easily free up space for the skill of Dorrell or Mus or the bustling energy of Riley, Jack D or Jack F. 

Three matches ago they held Warren until the last three minutes before the floodgates opened and their managers and coaches have so much knowledge and ability which is clearly rubbing off on a team that plays great football and gets better every week.

Take nothing for granted. On the other hand the 12:00 kick off will allow Rovers to know what effect a win will have on the league.

GRANGE ROVERS 3-1 CAREW RANGERS

Alfie (3)

MOTM Tyrell

With Chris parading for Remembrance Sunday, Brad was joined on the sideline by Ian, and they prosided over another 3 goal winning performance from the boys in orange today and another Alfie hat-trick.

If Jason was Jose Mouriniho he would probably claim to be unbeaten by Rovers since the two goals which wrapped up the game came in extra time. (Chelsea have been beaten at home in domestic competition under Mouriniho, he says not because it didn't happen in normal time. 2005-6 league cup- look it up!)  

Brad fielded the team that had been so successful last week. The back three blend of fearless Tyrell, solid Jack B and cultured Hayden were protected by Jack F in the defensive role and Riley ran his heart out up front ahead of Alfie and tricksy Mus and Dorrell.

League top scorer Alfie opened the scoring for Rovers in the first five minutes running onto a through ball. 

What followed was a period of Royal Blue pressure with Jack D making an impressive save and a blues' forward shooting wide before Rovers rested control back and a Riley chance went just wide under pressure from a Rangers' defender.

Rovers welcomed back Josh from the bench following a holiday break and Luke came on to make  his customary nusance of himself up front.

As the half drew to a close Jack D saved with his feet and cleared the ball to maintain the advantage.

In the second half the blues got more of a foothold in the game with a free kick flashing over the bar of the goal whose new custodian was Jack B. Then a goal bound shot was blocked and cleared by Riley. 

At the other end Josh crossed to set Alfie up for a chance which was saved by Blues keeper Alex who was a candidate for man of the match; he foiled a number of Rovers chances in the ensuing spell of Rovers pressure. 

Having managed to keep the deficit at one, Rangers exploited a gap in the Rovers defence and wiped it out. 1-1.

In the dying minutes of normal time a blues break was foiled by a good Jack B save, and both teams faced up to the prospect of extra time.

In extra-time Jack D returned between the sticks and an early Alfie chance was saved but soon the oranges had regained the advantage through Alfie's second. 

Before the end of the first period Jack D made I vital save from a blues strike and Rovers went into the second period of extra time two ahead as Rovers broke and Alfie bagged yet another hat-trick.

After the break another tense moment ended as the the tough tackling Tyrell snuffed out the attack and Jack B cleared. 

It could have been four as an excellent Dorrell corner was struck into the side netting. Tyrell limped off as man as the match having put his body on the line yet again and the Oranges saw the game out and go into next week, not only second in the league by a solitary point but looking forward to a cup final against friendly rivals Stafford United who inflicted a second defeat in two weeks on league leaders Warren Town.

Anybody willing to bet on Rovers scoring two or less, or scoring four or more next week I will gladly take your money!

"Every man could have been Man of the Match" says ecstatic manager Chris.

Jack D- His assured performance, match winning saves and accurate kicking gave the team the confidence on which to build.

Jack B- A captain's performance, perhaps not his finest technically, but full of heart and showed real leadership and understanding. 

Hayden- A cultured performance, strong in the tackle, assured on the ball, picked some great passes.

Tyrell- Determined, fearless, relieved the pressure time after time with his clearances and his awesome throw.

Jack F- Our very own Jack Russell Terrier, never gives up. Played in the role that fans often don't notice, don't worry Jack we noticed. The defensive midfielder should break up play, get in the faces of the opposition and make it difficult. That's what Jack did today.

Dorrell- the complete midfield package, skillfull, full of running, quality crosses and through balls, and won his fair share of tackles.

Mus- a box of tricks, the pocket dynamo produced chips and flicks and back heels galore to release his attacking teammates. 

Riley- Clearly wanted it so much today, ran himself into the ground, strong as a target man, won his tackles when he dropped deeper and totally bossed the midfield for a period when in partnership with Dorrell. 

Luke- Hugely enthusiastic, and a strong physical presence in the opposition box, won some important tackles, clearly loves the team.

Alfie- A goal machine. It's lucky we don't give away the ball for hat-tricks in our league or else Alfie's house would be full of balls and Wallington Little League would be bankrupt!

GRANGE ROVERS 3-1 WARREN TOWN. ROVERS' FINEST EVER PERFORMANCE.

Alfie (3) 

MOTM Jack D

The best team performance from the side since before Matt Wigam took charge of the Maroons as a Bantums side saw Grange Rovers narrow the gap on top of the league Warren Town to a single point as they beat them 3-1 in a full blooded, competitive encounter in swirling winds at Beddington park this morning. 

News that Stafford United had slipped up against Carew in the third game of the day means that Rovers are up to second.

With Josh and Sean missing the team was down to bare-bones but a different formation, frustrated the attack minded Greens. Jack D played the whole game in goal, with a back three of captain, Jack B, Hayden and Tyrell. Jack F started in a deep midfield role protecting this trio with Dorrell in a free role and Mus and Alfie supporting Riley who ploughed a lonely but effective furrow as a target man. While the management team would like to take the credit for this tactical nouse, in the end it was desire, commitment and a deal of skill that won the day. 

When Grange Rovers get the ball down and play football they are as good as any team in the league, and today they did this whenever they could, but when that wasn't possible Riley's strength and Alfie's and Dorrell's pace and undoubted skill made the long ball another viable and effective option and one which allowed the hardworking defence to relieve the pressure. 

The early exchanges set the pattern for the first half with Rovers pressing the ball, Town found it difficult to find their rhythm and when they did find a way to get into the final third one of Jack B, Hayden or Tyrell snuffed out the threat. Jack B marshalled his defence well and was a steadying influence throughout, while Hayden played a cultured game carrying the ball out of defence and picking his passes, Tyrell struck fear into the Greens' attacking players with his fearsome tackling and massive clearances. In front of them Jack F continued to earn the the reputation for tenatious running and tackling which could earn him the nick-name Jack "Russell" Terrier. 

It was a goal made in the midfield which opened the scoring, in a moved which involved Mus, who continues to be a revelation, and Riley who had dropped deep from his target man position, Dorrell crossed the ball from the left and who else would you want but Alfie to arrive on the end of it? He slotted home confidently to make it 1-0.

The second goal was sublime, a little dink inside from Mus found Riley in space and his perfectly weighted through ball was latched onto by Alfie for his, and Rovers second of the match. 

Mus took a break as Luke came on up front and made an incredable nuisance of himself, and Greens clearly felt his physical presence from set plays. 

This change meant that Riley dropped deeper and began to link up with Dorrell, and as they began to boss the midfield, Oranges saw out the first half, comfortably in control. 

At half time Jack F, who had run his heart out, took a break and Dorrell sat in front of the defence, and with the wind in their favour Greens pulled one back with an outrageously good goal from midfield from Drew which looped over Jack D, who was otherwise faultless in goal. 

It was at this point that Rovers returned to their starting nine and original shape with Luke retiring to scream his support from the sideline having proved his worth on the pitch.

With a one goal margin and the wind against them Rovers dropped, perhaps a little too deep and Town saw their chance but a backs to the wall performance from a strong and well marshalled defence and some match-winning saves from Jack D saw Rovers confidence return and in the dying minutes Alfie recieved the ball on the left cut inside and put the game beyond doubt with a third for Rovers and for himself. Yet again Rovers had scored three, it seems that it was their lucky number today.

GRANGE ROVERS vs WARREN TOWN PREVIEW

It looks like Grange Rovers will be without Sean for this third vs first match. However Chris and Brad will be pleased to welcome back Josh after his combative performance in the pouring rain in the victory  against Hilliers. 

Win, lose or draw, Rovers have the bizarre record of scoring three in every outing so far this year and felt hard done by to concede late goals against Town last time out when a draw looked a fair result. With a tighter defence and a few games under their belt the team in Orange will want to improve on that result and hope to close the gap on Warren Town, who have a hundred percent record so far this season. 

They may be unbeated but after the last round of league matches Woodcote Wanderers will tell you they are not unbeatable, as they contained a strong Green side until the last two minutes.

It will certainly be interesting. COYOs.

CUP MATCH POSTPONED

The cup game against Carew Rangers has been postponed due to the opposition being unable to field a team. They requested the postponement within Little League rules. A new fixtures list is avaliable on the WLL website.

CUP DRAW COMPLETE

Grange Rovers will play Carew Rangers in the 11am Kick Off in the Cup Semi Final next Sunday (27th October).
The first finalist will have been decided by that time with Stafford Utd playing Warren Town at 10am.
The two losing teams will go into the plate draw with Hilliers Athletic and Woodcote Wanderers to be played on 24th November.
The Cup and Plate Final, along with the Shield Final for the losing plate semi-finalists will be played as part of our show piece end of season celebrations on the 30th March.

GRANGE ROVERS 3-3 STAFFORD UNITED

What a thriller! Grange Rovers scored three goals for the fifth game in a row and Alfie notched up his ninth and tenth of season. 3-3 was probably the right result in the end but early on it looked like it could be so much better.

The Oranges started in fine style with a physical line up designed to match up the reds in midfield. Jack B, Hayden and Tyrell started at the back with Sean pushed up alongside Jack D in the centre of midfield and Alfie and Riley up front, of the smaller players in the team Dorrell started in a free role in midfield and Mus and Jack F started on the bench.

An early Alfie goal after a Riley pass and good pressure from the midfield, shutting out any red threat made it look like there was only one team in it. Grange Rovers pressed and enjoyed a great deal of possession but couldn’t beak down a strong red defence.

Tyrell, clearly motivated by the need for the bragging rights in is own home after the game, threw himself into every tackle, with Jack B and Hayden mopping up in a more measured way behind him.

Luke did everything that was asked of him stopping the ball down low once and sweeping up on a second occasion.  There was nothing more he could have done to save the excellent equalizer which ricocheted in off the bar.

1-1 at half time seemed a little harsh but the final score of 3-3 was probably fair. 

The second Grange Rovers' goal was made in the defence with Jack B winning a last ditch tackle and sending it forward. After a flowing move Dorrell scored with an exquisite lob.

If there is a weakness to the Grange Rovers mindset it is that there are too many defensive minded players and once they were ahead again the back line dropped deep and invited pressure. Jack F and Mus worked hard at keeping the ball in midfield but first one then two red goals found the back of the net, despite the best efforts of Riley who made more saves than the two he conceded and who'd bravely donned the gloves after Luke had left the field hurt at half time.

It was late in the game and talismanic midfielder Jack D came of with a twisted knee, it looked to be all over, Stafford seemed to have the points when up popped Alfie to score with a drive of a quality you don’t see very often and to secure a deserved point.

Tyrell was awarded man of the match for his tough tackling approach, and we hope his sister who played in midfield for the opposition well after she left the park to have a painful and swollen hand looked at.

The game was played in the best of spirits with both teams giving 100%, it was a full blooded affair, but the friendly nature of the relationships between players, spectators and coaches showed the league off to its very best, well done to all involved.

Alfie (2)
Dorrell

MOTM Tyrell

GRANGE ROVERS vs STAFFORD UTD PREVIEW

This second vs third clash looks to be an exciting match on paper. Certainly it is a match up between two strong sides both physically and in a footballing sense. There were some epic clashed between these two last season and while Rovers just shaded the league outings, Utd had the upper hand in the quarter finals of the cup, although they were knocked out in the semis only to finish runners up to Rovers in the plate.

The Oranges are without Josh who played out of his skin in last week's battling performance. They will be hoping Alfie carries on in his rich vein of scoring form, and that Hayden and Jack carry on forging their understanding at the heart of the defence. 

If Rovers carry on their pattern of scoring three in every match, it will require a mammoth defensive effort to convert those goals into points against a side that offer the sort of threat that Liam and Jacob can muster. 

The game also could see a family match up with Tyrell lining up against Sinead.

HILLIERS ATHLETIC 1 - 3 GRANGE ROVERS Enough to make the cup draw!

It seems that all you have to do to beat Grange Rovers is score four goals! For the fourth week in succession Rovers scored three. This time the opposition could only muster one in reply.

In the opening exchanges the team in orange got on top, stroking it around. The lack of Tyrell and Sean meant that Jack D started at the back alongside last week's man of the match Hayden, and the ever reliable Jack B, returning from injury. This looked solid and with Riley partnering Alfie upfront left a tenacious Jack F, captaining the side for the first time, bossing the centre of midfiel. He was flanked by Josh who looks more the part with every game, and the diminutive box of tricks which is Mus.

An intelligent Riley through ball saw Alfie guide home the opener and yet again the Rovers looked to be well on top.

Jack F was desperately unlucky not to score an early goal of the season contender when he let one fly from distance as it ricocheted out from a corner and he met it half way inside the Yellow's half, only to see it clatter the bar, bounce off the line and be scrambled away. Minutes later he was lying injured in the left back position but bounced up and struggled on until half time.

Although Rovers were unlucky not to be two or even three up at half time and Luke had little to do they conceded late in the half. In a carbon copy of all three Carew goals last week a defender turned inside and gifted the ball to the onrushing Joe who found Lucas in space who made the most of the opportunity and made it 1-1.

TURN OUT BOYS! and IF IN DOUBT PUT IT OUT!

In the second half Jack D went between the sticks and made an early save reminiscent of his superb Maroons performances. The Rovers weathered some early pressure with man of the match Jack F, Jack B and Hayden making some excellent tackles. Riley dropped deep in midfield and started pulling the strings with some great passing and through balls, but it was a Josh chipped through ball that Alfie latched onto for his second of the game and eighth of the season.

After this Rovers got back on top and despite a couple of scares made sure of the result with a goal straight from a corner from Dorrell whose second half performance reminded us all what we had been missing last week, in terms of an outlet and made a good case for winning man of the match.

Luke made his outfield debut and caused the keeper some problems with his physical presence.

As the whistle went the orange drown rat army could be satisfied with a job well done, enough points on the board to guarantee a place in the cup semi final draw and within striking distance of the top.

HILLIERS ATHLETIC vs GRANGE ROVERS PREVIEW

From little league to the premier league mangers like to trot out truisms like "there's no easy games in football."

At the beginning of last season the newly formed Yellows would have been considered an easy game.  However hard work and loyalty are important factors in football and Orville and Dan have inspired both in their team, additions have only improved a team that has stuck together and trained hard and are now a force to be reckoned with.

Chris and Brad should have a full squad to pick from and hope to return to winning ways against a strong Hilliers side.
This third vs forth clash could go a long way to determining who makes the cut for the cup semis. COYOs.

GRANGE ROVERS 3-3 CAREW RANGERS

After taking an early lead Rovers had to show a lot of heart and determination to come back from 3-1 down at half time.
All three goals came from Alfie. The first one was a neat tap in from a after a quality cross from Riley who had pulled out to the right. For the next few minutes it looked like Rovers would dominate as Jack D, Josh and Jack F took control in midfield, stroking the ball around with an air of confidence. Behind them the defence had picked itself in the absence of Jack B.
A series of lapses lead to three Royal Blue goals in quick succession and the team  in orange finished the half two goals adrift.
With Riley volunteering to stand between the sticks in the second half, Mus took his place along side Alfie up front and Jack D marshalled his midfield in a gutsy performance, leading by example he worked his socks off, breaking up Rangers play and distributing the ball.
Hayden had clearly listened to every word of the half time team talk and was faultless at the heart of the defence in the second half. Riley behind him made a couple of confidence boosting saves and Rovers were on the front foot again. It looked like the Oranges would have to take solis from a strong but fruitless second half when Alfie gave them hope with a long range strike which looped over the defence, beat the keeper and rippled the back of the net.
At 3-2 the confidence and determination came flooding back and with the defence looking stronger by the minute the boys started to believe that they could get something from the game.
Alfie struck again, this time running onto a sweet through ball and winning the battle of wits one-on-one with the keeper. A roar went up from the team and the spectators and with 3 minutes remaining a victory wasn't beyond the bounds of possibility.
But for a couple of off-sides it might have been all three points, it wasn't to be, but Grange Rovers can be pleased with a second half where every man gave his all and got a deserved point from the game, which lifts Rovers to third in the league at this early stage.
When heart is required Grange Rovers so often turn up trumps, it was the case again today and a depleted squad can be very  of what they achieved.

GRANGE ROVERS vs CAREW RANGERS A PREVIEW (KO 11am)

With Jack B and Dorrell definitely unavailable and Tyrell unwell for training yesterday  the team could well pick itself for this fixture.
Carew have started the season with a draw and a loss, but in a much more even division this year and two of the tougher games already behind them in the first quarter of the season, they will be looking for that first victory.
New manager, Jason, has a very similar look to his team to Rovers with a core of players retained from last year being joined by a few new faces.
This will be a tough game, there are no bankers in WLL any more and I fancy Rangers to pick up three points soon.
Chris and Brad will be looking for a strong performance from a depleted squad today and the boys will need to work hard and concentrate for the entire match.
The team will meet at 1040am for an 11am kick off.
COYO

Over 200 page views this weekend.

Yesterday's preview and today's match report received over 100 views each. Keep spreading the word to relatives and friends that might want to keep up with team news. #roversfamily
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WOODCOTE WANDERERS 1 - 3 GRANGE ROVERS

A return to winning ways for Rovers also saw a return to the team for Sean at the heart of the defence, alongside Hayden, Tyrell and Jack B.
It was Jack B who opened the scoring and his account for the season with a well taken finish, guiding the ball into the net as he arrived on the end of a parry by the Woodcote keeper following a fierce Jack D drive from an Alfie cross.
Mus again busied himself in midfield alongside Jacks D and F, the latter of whom seems to improve as a player with every outing, today intelligent and full of running.

Partnering Alfie up front, Riley soon slotted a second and Rovers looked to be cruising.

In the second half an impressive Woodcote fight back saw keeper, Luke, forced to act as sweeper on a couple of occasions, rushing off his line to deprive the Light Blues of possession in Rover's box.

Eventually the pressure told and in an uncharacteristic lapse in concentration the defence were caught napping as Woodcote pulled one back.

After a tense period with the ball refusing to break for Rovers the game became stretched allowing Alfie and Dorrell to impose their creativity on the game, and after a deft chipped through ball from Riley,  Alfie ran onto the ball and made sure of the points with a customarily assured finish.

While there were a few contenders for Man of the Match, Jack B's strong defensive display, surging forays into opposition territory and neatly taken goal saw him take the plaudits and the orange and black ribboned medal.

Although not as convincing as it might have been from the evidence of the first half Rovers have got some points on the board and are looking forward to next weeks clash with Carew Rangers.

Woodcote Wanderers vs Grange Rovers preview

With Josh unavailable for selection and likely return to the squad of Shaun there will certainly be changes for Grange Rovers.
After the disappointment of conceding three late goals last week the Rovers will be looking to bounce back at the first time of asking against Woodcote Wanderers.
Woodcote should not be underestimated, with their own Jack "D" in goal and standout players from the trials, Hannah and Max at the heart of their defence the they could be hard to break down.
Playing this side early in the season may be the best time for the match up as the brand new squad tries to gel. However in Jerome and Travis they have a knowledgable management duo and shouldn't be underestimated.
Rovers on the other hand will be looking to overcome the disappointment of last week by getting their first win under their belts and Shaun's return will give Chris & Brad a welcome selection headache in defence.

Lots of positives in an unfortunate defeat. Grange Rovers 3-6 Warren Town.

Any 6-3 defeat is hard to take, but when the draw would have been a fairer result who can blame the lion-hearted players of Grange Rovers for their dejection immediately after today’s game?

It had all started so brightly with new player Mus starting up front along side Alfie who between them contrived to force a Warren Town own goal. A powerful cross-cum-shot by Alfie was followed in by Mus but and was turned in by a green defender.

Unfortunately it was soon 1-1, and that remained the score until half time. The first half had been an even contest with Alfie, Jack D, Jack F, Dorrell and Josh variously playing their part in a battling midfield performance.

The second half started with a quick Warren Town goal, and Rovers found themselves chasing the game for the first time, until a green hand ball allowed Alfie to score a rasping free kick from just outside the area.

It wasn’t long before greens found the net for a third time and an almost immediate carbon copy of an equalizer from another drive of a free kick from Alfie.

That’s how it should have finished but in a mad last five minutes of the game Warren Town scored three. A series of unfortunate events following a Jack B injury left Town with an unassailable lead; as the defence struggle to rearrange itself Rovers conceded a soft goal and with heads down another two followed.

The lesson to take from today is never let your head go down, the boys had come back twice already and given some of the performances could have done so again.

There are plenty of positives to be drawn:

The brave performances in midfield from Jack D and Riley; two awesome free kicks from Alfie; the introduction of some new players: the busy Mus at one end of the pitch and the reliable and astute Hayden at the other, making up part of a new look defence; in Luke we have a player who wants to play between the sticks, something we feared we’d lost with Tom’s departure.

Special mention should be made of Jack B’s tough tackling and marshalling of the defence and Jack F’s brave and energetic performance. On another day they would have been worthy Man of the Match winners, but Alfie’s sublime free kicks, just set him apart on a difficult day.

FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON

On Sunday morning the season will kick off against the greens of Warren Town at 10am.
Could you all be there at 9:30am so that we can sort out kits?
If you have  Grange Rovers socks and shorts, please wear them, if not dark colours and we'll give you some to take home.
Also could you wear an orange, yellow or red t-shirt, just incase there is an issue with the shirt printing.
Don't worry too much because we can always wear bibs.
Unfortunately the council have marked the wrong size of pitch so we might have to cone out the area tomorrow. Don't worry these are teething problems as the season gets going it'll all be fine!
Can't wait to start now. Come on you ORANGES!

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

It was great to see the majority of the team out for an enjoyable session on Sunday morning.
Some good effort matched by some big smiles. With the return of Tyrell and Hayden's signing, Chris and Brad look to have lots of defensive options when you add Jack B into the mix.
Looking at the midfield Josh and Jack F looked fitter than ever and keen to impress, Riley has lost none of his strength and combativeness; Dorrell has lost none of his guile. Upfront Alfie looks full of running and hasn't lost his eye for goal.
With Shaun's steel and Jack D's physical presence and drive still to be incorporated into the squad it's looking good for 2013-14.

Get well soon Shaun and no more late Saturday nights Jack!

See you all next Sunday at 10am.

TRAINING AND THE START OF THE SEASON

The season kicks off on the 22nd September with a thriller against League & Cup Champions Warren Town who have kept much of their squad together over the closed season.

Until then Grange Rovers will train on Sunday mornings from 10am to 11:30am, with shin pads and water bottles a must.  We are hoping that we can fit a friendly in during one of the sessions.

Once the season starts Grange Rovers training will revert to Saturday mornings in the first instance from 10am-11:30am.

Chris is not running turn up and play this year and with Brad will run dedicated Grange Rovers training sessions. If any other parents want to help out with training it would be very much appreciated. No experience necessary.

THE TRANSFER WINDOW

Wallington Little League doesn't have a window but it seems as good a time as any to talk about the comings and goings over the closed season.

Rovers sadly said goodbye to "safe as houses" Tom and speedy, left footed defender George. We wish them both all the best.

However as a result of the open trials and a tense pick night, Rovers manager Chris picked up Luke, and Hayden who are welcome additions to the team.

They join established squad members Alfie, Dorrell, Jack B, Jack D, Jack F, Josh, Riley, Shaun and Tyrell.

Rovers enjoyed a successful 2012-13 season winning the Plate, finishing as runners up in the League and lifting the 5-a-side trophy. On the back of this success 5 members of the team were picked to represent Wallington at the "National" 5-a-side competition in the summer where they performed splendidly.

All that Chris and Brad will ask from the boys in 2013-14 is the same attitude and team spirit that made them such a pleasure to manage last year.

COYO

A NEW BLOG FOR THE NEW SEASON

Welcome to the new internet home for Grange Rovers U12s. Bear with us as we get going.

Don't forget you can also follow us on Twitter @grangerovers1.