Scarva surrender three goal lead to Rovers

Ardmore Rovers 3

IT’S not over ‘til it’s over, as Scarva Rangers discovered to their cost on Saturday.

The locals were 3-0 ahead and seemingly cruising to their first home win since October.

But cruelly they saw what would have been a richly deserved victory slip from their grasp.

Mark Bicker, one of the most naturally gifted players in Scarva’s recent past, returned to the club at the Christmas break and his impact on his first start since re-signing was immediate.

A dangerous Bicker run inside the Ardmore penalty area was crudely halted and the resulting spot kick was emphatically smashed into the net by central midfielder Stephen Anderson.

Bicker was also instrumental in his side’s second goal, swinging an inviting cross into the penalty area where Alex Hammond rose and directed a powerful header past the helpless visiting goalkeeper.

When Kyle Jennett sent an unerring free kick screeching into the left hand corner of the Ardmore goal in the second half it seemed Scarva were home and dry.

But the tide turned. A headed goal handed Ardmore a lifeline and they made the most of the opportunity.

The hosts were adamant the next two goals should not have stood, disputing the award of a penalty that led to Ardmore’s second goal and arguing the visitors’ third and equalising goal was offside.

But the match official didn’t see it that way and all their protests were in vain.

The visiting keeper made a fine save in the closing stages to deny Gareth Fulton and ensure the game ended all square

Best for Scarva Rangers were centre half Gareth Dillon and Rod Douglas in central midfield. Indeed if the duo had not been forced to withdraw through injury after the break the final outcome may well have been different.

Scarva Rangers FC would like to thank Nigel Armstrong Sports for generously sponsoring a match ball for the first team.