Good away win for Roesiders

Roe Rovers Res...3

Roe Rovers Reserves gained a valuable three points on Saturday against a very strong BBOB Reserve team.

The final score was 3-0 but was a very tight game and it always looked like whoever got the first goal would win the game.

BBOB had a half chance early on but Johnny Moore’s shot went just over; Nicky Cooke also came close for BB Reserves and their powerful big forward Alan Duddy had a good effort saved by the impressive Dean McInnes.

Johnny Henderson was having a good game at centre half and stifling Rovers attacks and Paul McLaughlin had a good run from full-back and the end product saw Douglas head just wide.

Gerdy O’Kane also came close but perhaps chose the wrong option in front of goal and the keeper saved.

Their was no real surprise that it was 0-0 at half-time. Rovers back line of Tommy Hassan, Paul McLaughlin, Paul McGonigle and the very impressive Aaron Mullan were working well as a unit in front McInnes.

Chris McInnes and Matty Hamilton were edging the midfield battle and Daryl Mulgrew and Brendan McGonigle were working hard on the flanks and giving plenty of support to the lively Timmy Douglas and Gerdy O’Kane.

Rovers made three substitutions and these all helped to win the game. Stephen Walker’s first impact was heading clear a dangerous corner.

The pacey Niall Deehan’s impact was immediate, he picked up the ball on the left wing in his own half and used his pace to go inside and drive towards goal.

Chris McInnes had a shot blocked but the divisions top goalscorer Timmy Douglas was on hand to score the opener. This was Timmy’s 17th goal this season and he has now scored in every game for the Reserves except one!

This visably shook the BB side that had played their part in a very equal game. Mark Rafferty confounded this when good work from the energetic Brendan McGonigle ended with the ball at Rafferty’s feet and with his back to goal, he swivelled and tucked a great finish into the bottom corner to seal the points.

BBOB were stunned when Rovers’ captain Matty Hamilton picked the same bottom corner as Rafferty and placed his shot into the net for Rovers third with only five minutes remaining.

This was a massive result for Rovers who have title aspirations as it leaves them a point behind Churchill but with two games in hand.

A special word of praise for referee Mark McGarrigle, both sides agreed that he was superb.

He had a brilliant game, letting the game flow and officiating the game so well it was pleasure to watch.

Roe Rovers would also like to wish a Happy Christmas to everyone in North West football and a Peaceful New Year.