Rovers: Reading 4 Chiswick 3

Rovers start season as they left off!

The start of a new season for the Rovers handed them a tricky tie at home to new league members, Chiswick. With the men from West London having already won their first league match this year in a convincing style; it was a great start for the Rovers who scored early on from a short corner. Anthony Dean struck a sweet shot past a despairing keeper. Having several new players took it’s toll shortly after though as some sloppy play allowed Chiswick to get back in the game with a goal of their own, and even when Spag scored from another short corner, it was the away side who looked more comfortable, equalising again.

Half time bought little rest bite with the visitors scoring for a third time within seconds of the break. That was when the Captain’s halftime words finally sunk in, and the Rovers slowed the pace down. Good build up play and some accurate passing led to the Rovers equaliser as Chris Wade gift-wrapped a chance for James Love to score. Last years Rover’s side will be well aware that it would take more than an open goal for James to score! However, a first goal in over 20 games for the club earned a much-deserved equaliser, and more than likely a jug of beer in the next home game…

With a great second half display from the defence, and with tireless running in midfield and attack, the home side created a late chance. Matthew Williams made good running down the left side of midfield, with the ball popping up to Atif, 30 yards out. A cry from the Rover’s defence of, ‘..put it in the net you pillock!’ was followed swiftly by a strong run into the ‘D’ and a calmly placed shot that won the game 4-3, our top scorer last year, finally getting off the mark in the new campaign. Oh yea of little faith…

Overall, a good display by PQ’s new look team that could well match or even better last year’s 3^rd placed team. A special thanks goes to PQ and Hugh who made the game possible by shovelling up all the dirty sand before the game.

Although Man of the Match wasn’t officially chosen, I think it has to go to Anthony Dean. Starting at centre-half, he scored a great goal and then proceeded to have a blinder in defence. And if that wasn’t enough, he volunteered his own nickname, so ‘Monkey’ it now is!!!