NW FOOTBALL: Midfielder Mullan makes it six goals in six matches

The Waterside men came with a stronger side the one that Rovers defeated 2-1 earlier in the season at Wilton Park.

Rovers bouyant after an excellent 3-0 win away to Ardmore Reserves where hit with the blow that three of that team where missing.

Deery and O’Brien who both scored last week and Toland all missed out through illness and work commitments but this gave a start to veteran striker Timmy Douglas, defender Jay Clyde and a first team competitive debut to 17-year-old Matty Brown.

The game was very stretched due to the vastness of the pitch and the blustery conditions meant the first half saw a lot of passes run too fast and escape players.

Churchill were happy to concede possession and get bodies behind the ball and sit and wait for a counter with King and Kyle waiting to break.

Rovers passed the ball reasonably well but in the final third lacked the final ball. Too often it was wind assisted or hit too hard or crossed too deep.

The best chance of the half was when Churchill worked a one on one chance to the right and keeper Cain Breslin did brilliantly to cut the angle and save.

The long ball for the counter attack however was very well dealt with by Jay Clyde and Tommy Hassan through the centre. Chris Doyle and Brendan McGonigle ensured there was no supply from wide areas.

Second half and Rovers went up another gear and as last week the opponents tired as they had to work so hard for the first hour without the ball.

Rovers midfield of Conor Mullan and Matty Hamilton have found a new level in recent weeks and took control of the game in the final half hour.