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Spirited Performance But Passing Has Room For Improvement
Despite their depleted numbers, Rovers put up a spirited perfomance against Egertons 1st team. That said, at times it felt more like Eaton Bank vs Congleton High as Egerton ranks were bolstered by so many Congleton lads!
Egerton undoubteldy played the better football, passing the ball around really well. Consequently Rovers did a lot of chasing, but not without some spirit and belief, which meant this was a much tighter game than otherwise expected (...especially considering Rovers had a couple of 13 year olds on the pitch for a considerably period of the game).
Good defending by Lakin and Spooner, ably assisted by Ryan Van and Ratcliffe did their best to surpress Egertons attack, but the quality of the opposition combined with the presence of the younger boys in Rovers depleted midfield of Hill, Hibbert, Jones(standin) and Lakin (Matt - 13) meant that the back 4 had a bigger job than usual on their hands.
Egerton opened within 10 minutes as their midfield pushed forward unmarked. But DeConninck levelled a few minutes later as Rovers rallied. Egerton again took the lead following a corner. But with Rovers Keeper Crosby pushed to the ground, the decision to allow the goal to stand seemed harsh. The score at half time stood at 3-1.
In the second half Rovers were able to take advantage of Hancocks late arrival and with probably the best passing move of the game from Rovers, (M)Lakin, Ratcliffe and Hibbert set Hancock free up the left wing. A blistering shot from 25 yards with his favoured left foot gave the keeper no-chance.
Egerton got another following a last ditch interception by defence to gift an own goal. David-Brown then further exposed the lack of pace present in the Egerton defence when a few minutes later he broke through and expertly 'chipped' the keeper to bring the score back to 4-3. Other chances to score were deemed offside.
A long range effort by Egerton finished the scoring as the ball hit the post and rebounded in for another 'flukey' own goal.
Egerton played well and deserved the win, though the goals they should really have won it with, went wide or were saved by a very confident Crosby. But Rovers can take comfort from the finishing of their forwards who displayed their pace and confidently took their chances. If they can maintain that quality and the rest of the team can improve their passing and possesion, the Congleton (Rovers) team will do well this coming season.
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