Round 4 - Doncaster Rovers

Today we travelled to Anderson Park to play against Doncaster Rovers. We have always had interesting games with this club, so we were ready for anything to happen. As it turned out the morning was very enjoyable, with parents behaving themselves and a good game of Football to watch.

In the first half we were kicking against the wind, however we had the benefit of the Sun at our backs. Both teams looked a bit lazy in the first half and the ball seemed to just ping pong it's way around the ground without much control. We had a few good chances to convert, however we rushed our shots and missed our opportunities. We also failed to take a controlling touch when we had time, preferring to just kick the ball quickly.

As such the first half ended with no score for either team and both Keepers had managed to clear any danger effectively. During the half time break, Clifton asked the boys to work harder and play their natural game. We needed to take on the Doncaster players and keep the pressure on them. We also needed to get louder and communicate more effectively, too many players were contesting the same ball and getting in each others way.

The 2nd half started a lot better for us and we lifted the pace of the game. Our midfield worked hard to win the 50/50 balls and our wide players started coming into the match. We were attacking the ball and not waiting for it to come to us, which resulted in more pressure being put on the Doncaster Players.

Our hard work paid off when Jesse ran down the wing and then crossed the ball into the 18 yard box to find Nick, who neatly slotted it past the Keeper for our first goal. This seemed to lift the boys even more and we started to run even harder through the midfield. Our 2nd goal came courtesy of a corner kick from Jesse, the ball bending back into the goal and the Doncaster Keeper managing to get a finger on it. The ball hit the underneath of the cross bar and went into the back of the net.

2 nil and the lads had their tails up. Our passing continued to get better with Dylan, Hamish and Kosi doing some great work to hassle the Doncaster players. Our defence was working well as a unit and Jordan was teaming up well with Aaron & Declan. Meanwhile we continued to push hard into Doncaster's defence and it was great to see Michael take on the Doncaster midfield and run with the ball into the box, only to be brought down by an illegal tackle.

An indirect free kick was awarded from the edge of the 18 yard box and Aaron made no mistake with a beautifully positioned strike that gave the Keeper no chance. Doncaster continued to play as well as they could and they managed a couple of late charges up the wings. However Marcel had everything covered and was clearing the ball really nicely out to the wide areas.

We finished off with a 4th goal after Jesse drew the Keeper, then chipped the ball over his head. Michael followed the flight of the ball and made sure of the goal by giving it a gentle tap with his head. Our 2nd half effort was much better and the results were evident. Our running players had come into the game and were maintaining possession by recovering their positions quickly. It was great to see Aaron (D) and Charlie continue to gain confidence and show what they can do.

So the lads continue on undefeated and next week we play Knox United (not Knox City) away. We don't know much about this team as we have not played them before, but lets hope for a great game with plenty of action !