With the band playing the great escape in the background and the sun beating through the trees the theme was set for a great cup tie on what can only be described as a subbuteo sized pitch.
Rovers started well and` It Was Tyler Atkins who had the first chance of the game after 5 mins when he headed Dec Carvells corner just over the bar. Then with 15 mins gone Rockleaze turned the tie on its head and struck twice within 5 mins to shell shock The Rovers side. Rockleaze then took the game by the horns and Rovers were in all kinds of trouble spending the next 5 mins riding the storm and Joe was called on to keep the tie from going beyond Rovers grasp with some safe hands.
Rovers Manager Dale Dempsey then decided to make a tactical change by moving midfield man Dec Carvell upfront and moving Cam Brook back to his favoured position on the right, this paid dividends almost immediately as Cam slotted home to make it 2-1 and as the remainder of the first half ticked away Rovers looked stronger and stronger as Dec Carvell caused the Rockleaze defence all sorts of problems with his height and determination. Then with 5 mins to the half time whistle enter Will Munro from the bench and he proved why he is an asset to the team by netting right on the interval making it 2-2 at half time and Rovers now looking the side more likely to win the tie.
With the second half under way Rovers immediately took the game to Rockleaze and came close on several occasions but were unable to capitalize on the pressure. Then like a rabbit out of a magicians hat up popped little Cam Brook as his pace once again was to hot to handle as he scored his second to put the A division side 3-2 up with 15 mins left.
It was now a test of nerves especially for manager Dale who had run out of fags and was like a cat on a hot tin roof but little was he to know the tie was about to turn again. With Rovers defending now as Rockleaze launched a last ditch bid to stay in the tie they were rewarded right at the death as they made it 3-3 and xtra time was on the cards.
As xtra time got underway it was a battle to the end as Rockleaze nearly went 4-3 up but were denied by the post as Rovers scrambled the ball away.
With Zane Ollie along side George Childs and Ash Siddal working there socks off in the midfield and the back four of Zac Cory Ash and Ross giving there all Rovers pushed forward one more time as little Cam Brook slotted home his hatrick to win the tie for Rovers and end Rockleazes hopes of a giant killing act.
You have to applaud the determination of the Rockleaze side who battled till the end it was a great tie and what the the cup is all about. Cam Brook was our man of the match and well deserved to, but all the lads battled yesterday and even with tired legs showed true grit and determination right till the end a credit to yourselves and the club. |