Rovers 3-0 Rooftop 3/9/11
NAFL 2B
Portaferry Rovers (McCluskey, Ga. Curran, A Mason) 3-0 Rooftop
Rovers began the new season well after securing all 3 points in their first match in 2B. Having achieved promotion last term it was good to get off to a winning start to the new campaign.
However, it was deep into the second half before Rovers put the result beyond doubt. In a performance that started slowly but improved as the game progressed it became clear that Rovers will have to approach each game the right away to achieve their goal. Rovers started this match slowly and could have gone behind early after the visitors fashioned a couple of good chances; one just clearing the bar and the next bringing a smart save from keeper Andy Sands. The team was struggling to get any rhythm together in these early stages but then somewhat against the run of play took the lead. Paul Convery headed a huge clearance that evaded the Rooftop defence and Aidan McCluskey raced clear and hit a fine shot that flew inside the far post.
Rooftop continued to play the more fluent football and Rovers started to give away a number of free-kicks. One such free kick brought another fine save from Sands. Half-time came with the score 1-0.
The second half started and saw Rovers still struggling to get any momentum going but it was not long before they doubled their advantage. Debutant Conor Savage sent over a corner and it was headed home by Garrett Curran. This second goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of the opposition and Rovers never really looked back. The best goal of the game came with 15 minutes to go when after fine work by McCluskey, substitute Andy Mason controlled the ball on his chest and rifled the ball home. Rovers nearly scored a fourth when substitute Rossa Murray headed over with his first touch.
The game was notable for the promising debuts of four young players; Colin Trainor put in a solid performance at left back; Conor Savage was impressive in centre midfield; Donal McCarthy was lively in left midfield and Rossa Murray looked bright in his 15 minutes as sub.
A good result but the team will need to raise the level of performance next week away to Suffolk Swifts
Portaferry Rovers: A Sands, B Curran, C Trainor, C Savage, Ga Curran, P Convery, B Fitzsimmons, D Fitzsimmons, N Kelly, A McCluskey, D McCarthy. Subs: G Mason, R Murray, A Mason
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