NW Match 1

Roe Rovers Res 3

ROE Rovers made it to the Final of the North West Supplementary Cup after defeating Greysteel Reserves at the Vale Centre on Saturday.

Rovers got off to a great start when Tommy Hassan combined well on the left with Chris McInnes whose long range effort sailed over the keeper and into the net for an early lead. Rovers were the hungrier of the two teams and soon had a 2-0 lead. Great work from Mark Rafferty winning the ball just inside his own half and playing a great give and go with Gary Faulkner. Raff then outpaced the fullback and hammered home for a 2-0 half time lead.

Rovers should have a had a penalty when Matty Hamilton put Dan Maude through on goal with keeper to beat but the defender clattered into his back sending the big forward flying but the referee didn’t give the spot kick.

Second half was a more even affair and Gregory O’Brien marshalled his back line of Tommy Hassan, Gavern Hassan, Paul Irwin and Paul McLaughlin well and their commanding roles were the basis for the win. Rovers took a 3-0 lead after Dan Maude had to be replaced by Ricky Bratton, due to a knee injury.

A poor clearance was blocked by Faulkner and player manager Brian McWilliams picked up the loose ball and played in substitute Ricky Bratton who with his first touch set himself up to score his first goal for the club with only his second touch of the game.

Paul Brady and Micky Logue came on as well and freshened the attack but Greysteel battled to the end and the introduction of Paul King helped them get back in the game. Micky McCloskey’s side battled to the end and got a consolation goal on 80 minutes to leave a final score of 3-1.

Rovers will now play Dungiven III’s in the final as they defeated Lincoln Courts Reserves 1-0 in the other semi-final.