Newtowne on topedge homederby clash

NEWTOWNE 2

ROVERS hosted their second derby in as many weeks and suffered the same agony as they lost by the odd goal.

Following last week’s shock against Drummond, Rovers were very much the underdog against Junior football giants and current Champions Newtown. That underdog status was increased early in the game when a deep corner was nodded home by Blaine Morrison to give the visitors the lead.

Rovers, however seemed inspired by this and they battled their way back into the game having the lion’s share of the better football. Newtown with a towering backline thwarted Rovers’ attacks and against the run of play they took a two goal lead through Gary Moore.

Ruari O'Brien made two great stops to keep Rovers in the game and his defence of Guy, Logue, McDonald and Harbinson were in superb form. Gradually Nicholl and Holmes got a grasp on the midfield and McCloskey and Mulgrew were pressing at every opportunity. Rovers were soon back in the game when the pacey forward duo of Butcher and Doran combined and Butcher struck a brilliant shot from outside the corner of the box into the far corner.

The introduction of McGonigle drove Rovers further forward and despite losing Holmes to injury Rovers continued to press for the equaliser while Newtowne always looked dangerous on the counter. Rovers had a great chance with the last kick when great work on the right saw the ball break free to the impressive Harbinson who has been getting better every week. He did everything right and opened up his body to place his shot but it went just over and the final whistle went.

A very fine performance indeed from both teams in a fiercely contested local derby where both teams deserve credit for an enthrawling and exciting match. Rovers will be bitterly disappointed not to get the point they deserved but with this kind of performence another big win isn’t far away for the Roe men.