Doncaster
Rovers 3 vs. London Hibs 7
Sunday 17th
Sept. Venue: Barn Elm's
A fine result achieved
with only 10 men throughout proves our undoubted ability but masks some
poor commitment. John Leslie and Lee Steer let the rest of the team
down badly and against stronger opposition we would have dropped points.
We also lost a good chance to really increase the goal difference column
which could prove vital come the end of the season.
With several players away for
the weekend or injured we were down to the bare bones and those who played
made it look like we had the extra man and not them. Initially Luke
played alone up front with the emphasis on the midfield to offer the
requisite support. This they did admirably. After a few early
scares Hibs began to exert some pressure of their own and our first
goal soon resulted. Paul Goodlad chased a diagonal through ball from
Gerry V and challenged their goalie colliding in the process. Their
defender cleared the ball straight to Adam, fully 40 yards from goal and
he chipped the ball over the covering defender and into the net.
Doncaster cried cheat saying Adam should put the ball out (after their
player had the chance to) but the referee saw the goal fit and Hibs led
1-0. Luke was soon off injured leaving us down to 9 until Don Shanks
(very ex QPR) arrived to ensure 10 players again.
A three goal blitz midway
through the first half saw us take complete control. Firstly Adam
rifled home a free kick from 35 yards (honestly) and then converted the
first of many penalties, after their defender had handled a corner
taking it off James head, to complete his first hat-trick. Graeme immediately
extended our advantage with a fine finish dummying the 'keeper before
slotting home. We conceded a sloppy goal on half time but 4-1 was a
lead we weren't going to throw away.
The second half was a tale of
penalties. After Donny pulled another back straight after half time
they gifted us another penalty in
identical circumstances to the
first and Adam duly dispatched the kick. By now Graeme's power
and Paul's pace were giving their defence a torrid afternoon and we
looked like scoring every time we attacked. Two more penalties
arrived after a foul on Graeme and another handball both with the same
result giving Adam a double hat-trick. John Stevenson had an
outstanding game at the back alongside the ever reliable Jim McPherson.
James not only defended well but got forward at every opportunity negating
the need for a right sided midfielder. His passing was excellent and
a well deserved first goal was surely denied him only by a defender's arm.
Unfortunately he has now returned to university and will be sorely missed
and Christmas. Dave looked good when he kept things simple and the
midfield combined energy and tactical nous to good effect. The
front two had a field day.
A great result despite the
circumstances leaves us top of the embryonic league. I apologise to
everyone for the lateness of confirming the match due to the petrol
problems. This won't happen again. We have the makings of an
even stronger side than last season but remember that talent is nothing
without commitment - just look at Chelsea.
Team: Bryn Thomas, James
Allen, John Stevenson, Jim McPherson, David Lawlor, Adam Pomaro, Gerry
Vavasour, Graeme Thompson, Paul Goodlad, Luke Pomaro (Don Shanks).
MOM: Everyone
Cheers
Adam
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