Result: Firsts 5/17 vs Froscinone

Froscinone S.C. 1 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 3

The Rovers experience counted the most as they fought to a deserved 3 points vs relegation rivals Froscinone. It was a do or die match for the opponents, and the outcome also largely controlled idle Iberia’s, and Kickers’ fates. The Rover win relegated the previously undefeated in the spring Froscinone, and only one of the other two will return to the 1st division next season. It was a loss of Froscinone’s player’s discipline midway through the 2nd half that irrevocably turned the tide. An unnecessary clumsy hard tackle at Oren earned the perpetrator a 2nd bookable offense and contemned his side to D2.
The Rovers dominated early on, and once again should have put the result beyond doubt, but did not. Andy missed from close range, Pugli’s and Jordi’s efforts were miraculously saved from the goalkeeper and Colin could have easily scored inside the six. Finally in the 35th min, Oren played Pugli through the middle, Pugli collected, rounded the keeper and finished with aplomb. Rovers 1-0.
It all looked to easy as the Rovers continued to create chances and miss them to the end of the half. With the restart for the second match in a row, the complexion changed. A first minute turnover in the middle of the pitch led to a free kick – a season long flash danger point - just inside the Rover D. The first attempt hit the wall, the ball bounced kindly for Froscinone’s one man strike force and he hit the back of the net. Rovers 1-1.
The next 10 mins were nerve-racking. Froscinone took control and twice broke down the Rover defense. The first, a difficult header was bravely parried by Broach against the bar and onto safety. The second, Broach saved from inside the six, and the rebound struck the upright versus the open net. The tie was sufficient for the Rovers and for Froscinone, but as the Rovers regained composure and reverted to controlling possession and tempo Froscinone’s inexperience showed. Moments after the rush challenge that reduced them to 10 men, Randi put a speculative ball behind their defense that was held up just enough by the wind. Pugli beat everyone including the onrushing keeper and headed it over him and into the open goal. Rovers 1-2.
Froscinone was mentally done and already relegated. Jordi finished them off with an exquisite finish from the exact same spot that a similar strike last week would have earned the Rovers extra time and possibly a place in the NY State Cup final. Rovers 3-1.
Marto, playing against his old club for the 1st time and had an injury time chance to add to his Reserve team hattrick for what would have been a perfect ending.
The Rovers now are assured of a top half finished, whether it will be 5th, 6th or 7th will be determined in the rematch vs the Greeks at Pier 40 next week.
Team: Dave Borchard, Jon Nessa, Mark Kushemba, Andrew George, Vidar Ekehaug, Einar Benedktsson, Oren Nhaissi, Colin Marshall, Stephen Pugliese, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played): Randi Lee, Sam Minaya, Yuri Krym, Alex Cruz, Michael Martocci