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.