Rovers II Match Report

League match
Sunday	2009-11-15	12:45
FC Wacker München II	2 (0) - 2 (0)	Rovers II
Manager: Roderick Bracken

Re: Sunday 15th November Haidhausen III v Rovers I,Wacker II v Rovers II
November 17, 2009, 02:28:20 PM by Richard Clare

ROVERS II match report

Passarelli
Bushell Maloney Cannon Schneider
Kraus Singh (capt) Proudfoot Meyer
Clare Akin

Subs:
Cullinan for Kraus (75min)
Strange for Akin (85min)
Kopitz (unused)
Kit: Singh

Rovers II were involved in a mid-table affair on the astroturf at Wacker. Maloney, Meyer and Clare were doubling up from the Rovers I game earlier due to several cases of bailage over the weekend. A surplus of defenders saw Cullinan on the bench with Kopitz and Strange.

The first half remained scoreless, but was not without action at both ends. Passarelli saved our blushes a couple of times. Our attacking chances seemed to mostly come from Meyer free kicks and corners with Bushell dominating in the air. He hit the crossbar from one such attempt, which I believe was one of three times Rovers II hit the bar during the game. The 'crossbar challenge' fad taking place after trainings is showing obvious rewards. Not particularly useful rewards mind you.

The first goal came for the Rovers half way through the second spell. The ball fell to Bushell in space, who picked his spot and fired it straight at the 'keeper. The 'keeper made a meal of it and spilled it along the goal line, where Clare was sniffing around and had the simplest of finishes. One for the Dubious Goals Panel. 1-0.

Rovers then settled into a more defensive pattern, looking to hold their 1-0 advantage until the end. Shortly after however, a Wacker long range shot was deflected by Maloney into the top corner leaving Passarelli with no chance. Always good to score on your birthday. 1-1.

Neither team was content to settle for a point, and both pushed forward. Cullinan, on for Kraus, had a long range effort saved off the line by one of their defenders. Clare pushed one just wide of the left post, and then Proudfoot found himself in space and buried the chance from the edge of the 16 yard box. 2-1.

Strange then came on for Akin and the Rovers played 5-4-1 or similar to defend the lead for the last five minutes. Wacker somehow managed to get in behind on the left flank and the striker cooly slotted home to level it up. 2-2.

Wacker smelled blood now and pushed forward in the final 2 minutes seeking the winner. The final chance came at the other end, however, as Wacker parted like the Red Sea for Proudfoot who then struck one straight at the 'keeper with goal beckoning. The 'keeper juggled it over his shoulder, but managed to regain the ball, and 2-2 it remained.

Summary: A bit of a choke to be honest. At least Rovers II finished with 11 on the pitch for the first time in over a month!