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.