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Better Finishing the Difference as Rovers Make it five in a Row |
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Written by Howard Collier
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Wednesday, 13 February 2008 |
Leeds Combination League Division 1
10th February 2008
Leeds City Rovers 3 – 0 Rothwell Town Sunday
Rovers made two changes to the team that claimed three points at Armley the week previously. They welcomed back striker Dave Beaumont from University who replaced Paul Marriott and Johnny Richies started in Midfield alongside skipper Nick Wilson in a strong Rovers squad that also included five substitutes.
Rothwell were clearly fired up for the match after going on a good run since their humiliation in the cup against Rovers and were obviously seeking revenge for the defeat. Rovers however controlled much of the first half with a couple of half chances falling to Wills before the home side did open the scoring. Dave Beaumont received the ball just inside the Rothwell half and broke superbly evading a number of challenges before squaring the ball to Lev Watach who placed a composed finish delightfully into the goalkeepers’ bottom left corner. The game continued at a good tempo however chances were at a premium. Rothwell came close to drawing level towards the end of the first half however John Bell saved excellently, diving full stretch to his right and holding a firm shot from the edge of the area.
The second half started brightly for the visitors. Lev Watach got a taste of his own medicine when the Rothwell left back did a lovely nutmeg and they also carved out a couple of chances. However two sliced finishes when their strikers were in good positions would prove costly for Rothwell in the end. Rovers strengthened their lead with a simple second around 10 minutes into the second half. Geoff Clarkson’s long throw was flicked on by Howard Collier and Jonny Richies timed his run to the near post well and headed the ball high into the corner of the net. Rovers now had the game by the scruff of the neck. Howard Collier should have increased the lead when he was brilliantly played in by the excellent Nick, however the less said about his finish the better! Howard was quickly replaced by Tom Maxwell and shortly after the substitute sealed the win for Rovers with a cleverly disguised free kick. With Craig Wilson stood over the ball the Rothwell wall clearly expected the ball to be passed before the shot and left a gap on their left. Tom capitalised on this and curled the ball perfectly round the wall and into the bottom corner.The injured Craig Wilson was replaced by Chris Pugh and after picking up a booking Johnny was replaced by Reagan. Rovers could have had more goals as the game drew to its close, with chances falling to Dave and Lev, however the result was never in doubt.
With this fifth win in a row and the increasing belief in the Rovers squad; Pudsey, Morley and Chapletown, will all be looking over their shoulder at the top of the league. Next weekend will however see Rovers back in action in The Sunday District Cup with a massive game against rivals Chapeltown Brazil
Team: John Bell (8), Geoff Clarkson (8), Joe Magnal (8), Craig Wilson (8) (replaced by Chris Pugh (7)), Andrew Mitchell (8), Howard Collier (7) (replaced by Tom Maxwell (8)), Lev Watach (8), Nick Wilson (9), Johnny Richies (8) (replaced by Richard Reagan (7)), Paul Wills (8), Dave Beaumont (8).
Subs Not Used: Paul Marriott, Alistair Jackson.
Goals: Lev Watach, Johnny Richies, Tom Maxwell.
MoM = Nick Wilson
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