Match Report
Match Report - 04 Sep 2011, Clapham Rovers Clapham Rovers beat Worcester Park Rangers
As Gary Glitter once said ‘It’s good to be back!’
Clapham Rovers are up and running with a workman-like victory over Worcester Park Rangers in the first league fixture of the new season.
At one stage we were 4-0 up and although this would have been a flattering score-line, I think we fully deserved to register the 3 points after running out eventual 4-2 winners. It won’t be the prettiest football that we play this season, but on a small tight pitch we battled hard and showed a good level of performance which should give us plenty of encouragement that we can do well in a higher division this season following an unorthodox double promotion.
Here is a brief run-down of the goals:-
1-0 An own goal courtesy of a raking diagonal free-kick from Dave Larkin on the half way line. Played into the mixer and is competed for well, with the ball being deflected over the goalie to give us a 1-0 lead at half-time.
2-0 A powerful header from Jim from a corner stood up by Gaz at the back post. A welcomed goal-scoring return from our Dion Dublin-esque (minus the massive dong) CB turner striker after a barren 2010/11
3-0 An opposition short corner led to a classic counter attacking goal as Gaz harries the opposition, comes away with the ball and plays it into midfield where despite a slight coming together the ball is released by Bunny over the top onto a galloping Gori who had steamed up field from right back to nonchalantly lob the keeper for a well deserved debut goal. Two early second half goals in relatively quick succession. Damage done.
4-0 The build up to the fourth goal eludes my memory somewhat (must have been after my contact lenses had fallen out), but I do recall it ending with James Smith tucking the ball away nicely into the near post from just inside the opposition penalty area. A pre-season recruitment drive clearly reaping its rewards.
4-1 A long punt from the goalkeeper has our defences back turned which gives their pacey number 15 the opportunity to run with the ball. A mixture of skill and luck sees him bundle past our two centre backs, leaving all parties clutching knees as he smashes it home from a tight angle.
4-2 A return cross from a dying corner is nodded home with one of the last touches of the game as a result of some ‘tired’ marking.
It was a victory that deserved as much to hard-work and endeavour as to moments of quality and I must thank everyone for the effort that they put in. I seriously couldn’t fault anyone’s performance or work-rate and think that we looked very well organised for a first game of the season that included a few unfamiliar faces.
My MOM goes to: Gori. A close decision as there were numerous fine individual performances, but Gori just nicks it for mixing a strong defensive display with good composure on the ball and a willingness to get forward whenever the opportunity presented itself, a display that was capped with a fine goal.
Cheers
Bunny
Clapham Rovers Clapham Rovers 4 - 2 Worcester Park Rangers ()