Barnstonworth Rovers Thirds Match report, 4/11/10

Maltese Dolphins (1) - Barnstonworth Rovers Thirds (3)

Third and Fourth place sides meet to establish who will contend with the top two glory and riches beyond our wildest desires. Or a plastic trophy type arrangement and probably a free round of beer. It's gotta be something really cool to win the league.

A return to Randall's a morning games was as welcome as the exquisite weather--no matter the result, a day of sunning at McAleer's was assured for all but a few lame-asses, like Gavin in particular. Ahem.

Full credit to the Dolphins, who looked a more capable side than during the league opener, and the first twenty minutes had Rovers on the back foot, with Mike Dirolf apparently the only Rover ready to play at the whistle. Their through balls consistently found a willing Krapp scooping them up, but corners were not defended well and some pinball and a crossbar bounce later, the deadlock remained. I think that's what happened, anyway--my vision still blurred from taking a deflection in the gents.

Rovers first effective counter would expose the advanced Dolphins midfield, however, and an excellent ball from Garro to Gavin, saw him release Restrepo for a well-taken finish: 1-0.

The second half saw Rovers start confused--the kickoff was calmly played forward, but a mixup between Mackers and Derek saw the ball tinkle to the lone striker, who finished well in the far side-netting to even the score. Soft stuff. Rovers redoubled their efforts, though, and a clumsy challenge would grant Rovers a free kick just outside the 18 yard box. The confused goalie could and would do little to stop Garro's quick curler over the wall, restoring the lead. Dolphins would press, but some some excellent passing saw Obudulu lay off to the characteristically active Dirolf, who upon beating his man on the baseline, played a good ball to the top of the 18, where a willing Obaseki expertly one-timed it home. The result all but assured, both sides would coast in the final 15.

Squad:

Almost everybody but Moore, Duca, Bernfeld, and Rowley.