15/01/2012

This game was unusual for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was due to kick off at 1.30 pm in the pleasant environs of Old Millhillians Rugby club near Headstone Lane. Secondly, it was presided over by a 16-year old girl who was in charge of her first match. Thirdly, with no Medo around, Aleks was between the sticks (having an outfield player in goal isn’t actually that unusual given that at least four others have taken one for the team this season).

Rovers had already lost 5-0 to All Saints and were determined to do better this time. Things got off to a bad start when an up and under into the box was inexplicably handled by Richard and a penalty awarded. Fortunately, the ref wasn’t going to do anything contentious, being her first game; and Richard was very fortunate to escape with no card. Deliberate handball is a straight red. The penalty was duly dispatched but from that point on, Rovers took the game to their more distinguished hosts and eked out a number of chances before PR anticipated a crossfield defensive pass, cut it out and then slipped in Shoresh to slide the ball home for the equaliser.

Rovers were unlucky not to go into the lead when PR flicked a corner goalwards only to see an All Saints defender head it over the bar. Clay had a free header from a corner but with the sun in his eyes, only managed to flick it wide. Cashen were passing the ball about neatly but perhaps should have made more of the possession around the box. At the other end, Aleks wasn’t overly exercised in goal but when he was needed, he did his job. The back four of Clay, Guy, Richard and Andy were repelling most of what All Saints had to offer. Victor and Leon were sitting in front and winning a lot of ball. PR and Carlos were looking threatening at left and right midfield whilst Remi and Shoresh were causing problems up front.

1-1 at half time was a fair scoreline and Rovers simply had to come out for the second half and do the same thing. After ten minutes of fairly even stuff, All Saints got a seriously dubious goal when one of their players flicked the ball into the net with his arm (which was freely admitted in the dressing room after the game). The referee hadn’t made a decision all game aside from the penalty and wasn’t about to start doing it now despite Wayne’s flagging of the incident. The goal visibly deflated Cashen and after a number of fouls, including a two footed lunge that could have been a leg-breaker, went unpunished, Rovers heads dropped and All Saints began to dominate proceedings. I’m all for letting the game flow but this was getting ridiculous. The only foul given in the whole ninety minutes was an obvious stamp that had to be pointed out to the referee by the Chairman of the Harrow League on the sidelines. You’ve got to start somewhere I suppose, so let’s hope the young ref grows in confidence over the next year or so. Despite her inexperience, she was still a better official than some that we have had.

Sam came on for the injured Remi but soon after, Aleks was unfortunate to spill the ball straight to a forward for All Saints third goal and some pinball action in the six yard box preceded the fourth to leave Rovers 4-1 down. The assured passing of the first half had been replaced with desperate hoofs down the pitch to the increasingly isolated and frustrated Shoresh.

Rovers failed to create much of note in the dying minutes and the final result was another promising start that faded to a whimper. Next up, Kingsbury Ardent.