Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 0 Central Park Rangers 1

Sunday’s local derby ended in disappointment for the Rovers. Once again they forced the football gods to unleash their vengeance on them. For 85 mins the much depleted Rovers completely dominated a very average CPR side. For 85 mins, even as they squandered chance after chance , it seemed just a matter of time before the Rovers scored the one goal that would give them 3 points and usher them to the top echelon of the table. Then the gods had enough, got angry and in a 2 min spun reminded the Rovers the consequences of their decadence.

Giancarlo free in the box 6 yards out decided to pass instead of finishing, Colin’s effort was right at the keeper. After the clearance, the ball found Sam who was viciously tackled from behind but the ref waved play-on as he laid in agony on the ground. The Rovers regained possession and pushed the ball again forward as Sam was regaining his feet. He, apparently, “f-us;” the ref believed it was directed at him, and stopped the play to produce a straight red card !

The Rover players and bench, watching stunned, – repeatedly – asked to be given a reason for what appeared to be – and was - a completely irrational decision. None was forthcoming. CPR took the quick restart before the Rovers re-organized, played the ball to the left, then a through ball in the heart of the Rover defense. The CPR forward one on one with Eoin, held him off and slotted it under the on-rushing Broach. Rovers 0-1. Dagger in the heart, match over.

The Rovers have nobody but themselves to blame. Leber and Kushemba still unavailable due to previous suspensions and Bazza on the sidelines ill, Dixon stepped up, started and starred for both Firsts and Reserves. And Cavallo, who was held from the Reserves started at left.

But it was at striker that the Rover faced an unparalleled crisis: Musa was away, Puglie suspended from a needless red-card last week, Andy in the hospital, Lowe awaiting shoulder surgery. They decided to call on newcomer Hobbins to help fill the void and partner also debutant-striker Sam. Unfortunately he did not show up.

Now the Firsts need to take a series of 3 points vs Kickers, Fury and the eliminate Fury in the cup to rekindle the fire in their season.

Team: Dave Borchard, Vidar Ekehaug, John Salvucci, Eoin Quane, Dixon Hayes, Aaron Samulcek, Kieran Mahon, Tamu Bowen, Giancarlo Cavallo, Colin Marshall, Sam Wiggin. Subs: (all played) Stash Rutkowski, Lexi Schardt