Category: First team

Rovers reward for beating Sherborne in that classic on Saturday is an away trip across the Tamar to play Saltash, the match is to be played on Saturday 19^th October. Although disappointed that we were not at home a local trip to SWPL side Saltash gives Rovers an excellent chance to progress. Saying that The Ashes average 3 goals a game and have a miserly defence only conceding 6, for the record they currently lie 4^th in their league. P9, W6 D1 L2 F27 A6.

Other Devonian teams progessing to the 1^st round proper include Tavistock who defeated our near neighbours Cullompton 2 nil they now welcome Winterborne. Bovey Tracy who turned over unbeaten Street now entertain Shepton Mallet. Exmouth entertain Bristol Manor Farm, Plymouth Parkway entertain Gillingham and Barnstaple if they can overcome Newquay will travel to Almondsbury.

2^ND Round Qualifying FA VASE.

Willand progressed to the FIRST ROUND of the FA Vase after a scintillating attacking performance at Silver Street. Dean Stamp helped himself to his second first half hat trick of the season and the man of the match award. Luke Alden made his first start in Rovers colours and young Jake Vickers came off the bench for his debut.

The home faithful could hardly believe there luck as straight from the first whistle Rovers tore into the Sherborne back line. Before Stamp had scored his first, Rovers Hopkinson and Stamp himself had tested the away side keeper.

In the 5^th minute Willand took the lead a Jake Wannell cross was only half cleared the ball fell to David Steele and his precision centre was headed home by Stamp. With confidence now coursing through their veins Willand knocked it around, new boy Alden was terrorising the right full back and his cross set up Stamp only for his effort to be deflected behind for a corner. From the resulting corner Dan Western effort flew wide.

In the 11^th minute Willand doubled their advantage with certainly the goal of the game and maybe goal of the season so far. The ball started deep in the Willand half with some fine one touch football involving 5 or 6 players and some 12 passes later Stamp turned his man and hit a screamer from 25 yards which arrowed straight into the top corner.

Earlier in the season mistakes have cost the side dear in the 14^th minute a mishit back pass only found the Sherborne striker who rounded the keeper to score. But earlier in the year this team might have let that affect them – not now. A minute later Rover’s restored their two goal advantage with Scott Rogers making a midfield burst into the area where he was able to get on the end of a Wannell cross to flick the ball home. 3-1 Rovers.

Alden was involved in the next period of play with Rovers camped in the Sherborne half, his header crashed against the cross bar the ball was cleared only to be returned with vengeance. Alden dazzling feet bemused two players his centre was met by Stamp who from the penalty spot made no mistake. 4-1 Rovers and cruising.

But Sherborne did not score 7 last week for no reason in a three minute burst they had reduced the deficit by two gaols to only be one behind. In the 28^th minute Rovers failed to clear a corner and in the scramble the ball was stabbed home. Two minutes later there pacy forward out muscled us and got to the by line, his pull back avoided every white shirt allowing the on rushing mid field player to score. 4-3 Rovers, half time, 7 goals in 30 minutes exhilarating stuff.

Into the second half could either side keep this up well for the first 25 minutes of the half Rovers did? An Alden cross was met by Stamp but his effort was saved. A clinical precision move involving Wannell and Hopkinson lead to Rogers volleying just over.  Western fired wide in the next attack and Rogers shot was hit straight at the keeper.

The game winning moment came in the 67^th minute when Steele rose majestically to thump home a header from a Russell Jee free kick. Now Rovers used all their experience and just played keep ball. As the clock ran down James Ansell, Danny Baily and Jake Vickers for his debut all came off the bench.

Rovers: Alexander: Steele, Hill, Clampin, Jee: Wannell © Hopkinson, Rogers, Alden, Western, Stamp: Subs: Ansell for Alden, Baily for Stamp, Vickers for Steele;     not used Luxon, Hambly,

Having caught up with Scott after the players night out he was really pleased the way the team stuck together and secured that all important result. Momentum and confidence are key to any side from our league to the Premiership.

But all successes are built on solid foundations. Three clean sheets in four games shows that Hilly and Clamps are working well together as a pair, that will be tested in this weeks game against Sherborne who scored 7 on Saturday. Sam Alexander in goal with a combination of Jake Wannell, Russ Jee or Dave Hamby at full backs have given the side the platform they have needed to record three wins in four.

Willand had in their squad two new signings, Luke Alden has arrived from Okehampton, he is a fleet footed left winger who likes to take players on. Most pleasing it was his cross that set up the winner on Saturday.

Khalid Badavi has returned to the club after a spell up the M5 at Taunton. Khalid has missed much of the start of the season with a groin strain, he is still not match fit and it will take a few weeks for him to get there.

But what a treat for the Rovers faithful, two flying wingers terrorising the opposition, I am sure Stampy is rubbing his hands with glee at the thought of all those crosses.

Two difficult games coming up. The Vase is special to Scott so he will want everyone up for Saturday. Your support is most welcome please come along and cheer the boys.

Rovers left it late to defeat bottom side Melksham. The visitors only had a   point before this encounter and came to try and get another at Silver Street. They defended deeply, had a keeper in good form and played many behind the ball. But for the fourth time this season Rovers scored in the 90^th minute this time though it meant that 3 precious Western league points were secured rather than just a consolation.

Willand made one change to their starting XI with Russell Jee returning from suspension and replacing Dave Hambly at left back.

For 45 minutes Dan Western and Dean Stamp tore Melsham apart as early as the 3^rd minute Stamp shot wide from a Western lay off. Three minutes later Stamp tested the Melksham keeper with a well worked free kick, this was to be the pattern of the day. Shots raining in from good flowing football only to be thwarted by the shot stopper in the visitor goal.

Both Rovers central defenders were denied with efforts either by good fortune or a defender on the line. As Rovers pressed Melksham held on until half time.

In the second half Melksham were better but anything they tried Simon Hill and James Clampin cancelled out with an imperious display of central defending. But it was not all Melksham , Jee tried his luck with a free kick which was narrowly wide. In the 65^th minute Scott Rogers was put through 1 on 1 but he could not get his shot past the on rushing keeper. In the 70^th minute the keeper made a double save from James Ansell to deny Rovers the lead.

Rovers though were not to be denied as the crowd roared Willand on for one last effort a sublime left wing cross was converted by Clampin for his first goal for Rovers and three valuable points.

Rovers: Alexander; Wannell ©, Hill, Clampin, Jee: Steele, Rogers. Hopkinson, Ansell: Western, Stamp. Subs Baily, Alden,  Badavi, Hambly

Manager Rogers was a mighty happy man with 3 points collected and a boost before next week’s Vase game against Sherborne.

Street  v Willand Rovers:   3 – 2 Steele 38,90

A Dave Steele brace could not stop Willand slipping to their third league defeat of the season. Rovers travelled to unbeaten Street who had only conceded a single goal in their first 5 games of the season. Willand were for large periods of the game the better side but clinical finishing and a very strong penalty shout turned down consigned Willand to a pointless trip back down the M5.

After winning their last two games Willand started like a team full of confidence and for 30 minutes were the only side in the game. Dan Western and Dean Stamp both had a couple of chances to give Willand the lead but shots were either saved or blocked. Whilst Rovers pressed and pressed Street hung on and soaked up the pressure, as it is the way in football Street took the lead on the 31^st minute with a goal on the break and very much against the run of play.

Football can be a cruel game and it certainly got crueller when on the 36^th minute a cleverly worked free kick meant that Stamp could let fly from 22 yards and his arrow straight shot smashed into the raised hands of the defenders who had 8 or so yards to react, definite penalty even to the most myopic of supports, but much to the disbelief of players and supporters alike play was waved on.

To Rovers credit they galvanised themselves and levelled 2 minutes later when David Steele’s strong shot from 12 yards flew through a crowd of players. Now with their dander up Willand kept pressing on the 40^th minute a neat Scott Rogers lay off to James Ansell who feed the ball to Stamp whose shot shaved the post with the keeper well beaten.

Into the second half and it was Street who took control of the score line if not the game. In the 51^st minute a defensive error let the Street forward in who was 1 on 1 and scored. The game now became a battle with Street resiliently protecting their lead and despite Willand’s best efforts it was Street who sealed the game in the 81^st minute to give themselves a two goal cushion.

But credit to Rovers it was them that finished the game the strongest, never giving up or letting their heads drop. Steele got his second of the match from out wide he swung his shot come cross into the area and the ball avoided everyone and nestled in the far corner. During injury time Willand pressed but could not find the equaliser.

Rovers: Alexander: Wannell ©, Clampin, Hill, Hambly: Steele, Hopkinson, Rogers, Ansell; Dan Western, Stamp. Subs (all used) Baily, Ryan Western, Patchett.

Willand secured their first home win of the season and collected another valuable 3 points making it two wins on the bounce in 5 days.

Willand made two changes to the squad that played at Hengrove on Saturday. In came new signing Sam Alexander ,who has made the switch from Bridgwater where he was last seasons No 1 keeper, he replaces the young Yeovil keeper Cafer. Daniel Baily came onto the bench in place of unavailable Gray.

Again Willand lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation but after a surging 1^st minute run from James Ansell on the left flank which lead to a corner.  It was Bridport who really bossed the next 20 minutes of the game, they played some good football with Willand having to work hard to try and get the ball. In the 15^th minute from a Bridport corner Sam Alexander made an excellent save low down at his near post when the ball seemed destined for the net. That save seemed to galvanise Willand and get them into the game.

The remainder of the half Willand played with confidence and control. In the 23^rd minute a fine run by Dean Stamp and a neat pass by Ansell set up Dan Western but his shot was blocked by a prostrate defender. A minute later  a Stamp left footer screamed across the grass and narrowly flashed past the far post. On the half hour mark a great Stamp run set up David Steele who’s flick flew across the gaol mouth. Two minutes later Scott Rogers set up Bobby Hopkinson who hit his left footed volley first time and just over. In the 36^th minute a Rogers driving run set up Stamp who swivelled and hit a sweet shot which hit the post. Dan Western tried his luck from long range as Willand camped out in the Bridport half. The visitors were certainly happy to retreat to the new changing room all level at half time.

Into the second half and Willand got off to a flyer, Stamp went through after a Hambly pass but one on one with the keeper who spread himself well and saved the shot. The ball was only half cleared and Stamp fizzed his cross across the area for Ansell to arrive at the far post and put Willand ahead. Two minutes later a Jake Wannell cross was sliced behind for a corner although nothing came of that. In the 50^th minute the Bridport keeper flattened Stamp some 20 yards outside of his area free kick awarded, no booking! Free kick taken but ball cleared.

For the next 15 minutes it was end to end stuff. Bridport were desperate to get back into the game and in the 52^nd minute Alexander made his best save of the night with a fantastic reflect  save from the Bridport striker. Willand responded and had chances with Stamp, Western and Ansell all having shots saved or blocked. The 63^rd minute probably was the turning point in the game a Bridport free kick was met way beyond the far post and the knock back was volleyed onto the cross bar and over. That was a glorious chance to get parity.

Six minutes later Stamp set up Steele whose first time effort smashed against the post and out the ball was scrambled cleared for a corner. From the resulting corner James Clampin climbed highest to put his header just inside the near post but the Bridport keeper held on. Ian Patchett replace Steele on 70 minutes and five minutes later Stamp far post header from a Wannell cross was plucked out of the air just under the Bridport cross bar by their keeper.  A further Wannell free kick was chested down for Western to blaze wide.  Baily replaced Ansell on 87 minutes.

The victory sealing goal came in the 90^th minute with Patchett sending over a deep cross for Stamp to volley home on the angle.  Willand saw out the remaining 7 minutes to collect another 3 points.

Willand:  Alexander; Wannell ©, Hill, Clampin, Hambly; Steele ,Hopkinson,, Rogers Ansell; Western, Stamp; Subs Patchett for Steele (70); Baily for Ansell (87) Beech not used.

Scott Rogers was a happy man last night having got a home win which he hoped pleased the home faithful. He stressed that this is only one victory and we must take each game as it comes, the side is still in its infancy and has a long way to evolve, small steps I think is his motto. We should not get too carried away it was one win but there were times when we really had to work hard to stay in the game. The result also hinged on a piece of lady luck both sides hit the woodwork twice and Sam Alexander made three vital saves at nil nil and one nil.

More pleasing was the partnership of Hill and Clampin, both warriors who really stood out again. Bobby Hopkinson performance which won him the man of the match award was a midfield master class full of power running, breaking up play, winning balls distribution etc. He looked sharp today gaining match fitness with each game he played, a joy to play alongside.

Another tough game coming up Street away, Coach leaves at 12.30 it would be great to see you all there.

Match reports for Saturday 31^st August 2013.

On the last day of summer both Willand Rovers sides turned on the style to score 7 unanswered goals giving both teams a well-deserved 3 points. Both games can be described as a game of two halves as for 45 minutes in each game Willand were unstoppable.

Scott Rogers’ Willand travelled very slowly up the M5 to newly promoted Hengrove. Rob Buxton’s team travelled closer to home to Beer having only played them a week ago and drawing that match.

At Hengrove on a glorious late summer afternoon on a bumpy pitch for 45 minutes Willand played with passion, pride, pace, possession, precision and power. Dean Stamp was a revelation up front with a performance of strength, skill and superb finishing which rightly gave him the man of the match accolade.

Willand made four changes from the team last time out. Stamp, Dave Hambly and Jake Wannell returning.  David Steele making his first appearance of the season after injury. For the first time this season Willand  started in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Dan Western played in the hole behind Dean, Scott and Bobby Hopkinson anchored the midfield, with Steele and James Ansell on the flanks.  Hambly and Wannell held the full back slots with James Clampin and Simon Hill in the middle with keeper Matt Cafer in between the posts.

Willand started well and the first minute Stamp had a low dipping shot well saved by the Grove keeper as he pushed the ball round the post. Similarly 6 minutes later young Cafer had to replicate the save to keep the scores level.

Willand took the lead with a well-crafted move involving four players. Hambly played a neat one-two with Ansell and then tucked the ball inside to Western who turned his man and slipped a lovely little ball to Stamp who from the penalty spot slipped the ball right footed past the advancing keeper. Now Willand had their tails up and were flying, sumptuous passes sprayed from the midfield found willing runners or if the ball was passed up front Stamp held on to the ball or battled and harried the Grove back line. A foul on Stamp lead to a free kick which Hopkinson took but aided by a partial block enabled the home keeper to gather. On the 22 minute from a corner Clampin knocked the ball down for Stamp to volley slightly over. But Willand were not to be thwarted Hopkinson made a strong run down the right, beating three players from the by line, knocked the ball back to Western who floated a dinked ball to the far post for Stamp to rise above the defender and head home 2 nil Willand.

Now the confidence was flowing, a minute later Western released Stamp who let fly with a low left footer from outside the area, the ball sped past the keeper and hit the net much to the glee of the travelling band of supporters.  Willand kept going it was Western’s turn to test the keeper with a fierce shot which was only parried, Clampin’s  follow up header fell invitingly into the keepers arms. As time ran out of the half Stamp tried his luck from 30 yards but his volley flew wide.

What a half, the perfect hat trick and Willand on their way to three valuable points. Could the second half live up to that?.

The same 11 started the second half and again Willand were immediately on top. Hopkinson’s free kick flew narrowly wide with keeper well beaten. Willand kept the ball but could not match the first half tempo. That said with players playing just back from serious injury, it was a great work out for sterner tests to come. In the 55^th minute Rogers was replaced by Alex Gray. Three minutes later Clampin headed over from a Hopkinson corner. In the 65^th minute Ian Patchett and Lloyd Beech came on for goal hero Stamp and Simon Hill. Willand played out the last 25 minutes of the game with few scares Grove trying their luck from distance but none troubled Cafer in goal.

Willand Rovers:  Cafer:  Wannell© Hill Clampin Hambly: Steele Hopkinson Rogers Ansell: Western Stamp:  Subs Gray for Rogers (55), Patchett for Stamp (65), Beech for Hill (65).

Game won, 3 points on the board for our first win of the season. Scott Rogers was a very satisfied and relieved manager he was just happy to bank a win and the way the team played in that first half was a pleasure to watch. Western, Steele and Hopkinson will have all benefitted from a 90 minute workout. Although Dean took the plaudits Western had a part to play in all three goals with three assists. James Clampin ran Dean close for man of the match award he and Hilly looked like they have played together for years both are winners in the heart of defence and will be tested in the months to come. If the team sticks together over the next two to three months the results and performance will come.

Now for tougher opposition on Wednesday night Bridport home 7.45ko.

In contrast to the first team Willand Reserves turned on the style in the second half to record their first victory of the season. A game which was brilliantly officialled by the three people on duty, lead to an even first half. In the dying minutes of the half Willand were awarded a penalty which they failed to convert, leaving the score all level at half time.

In the second half Willand turned on the style, a second penalty was awarded this time Kenyon made no mistake to put Willand ahead. Tom Beddow then scored to double the lead. The scoring was not completed with Aiden Moyle scoring a classy double to give Willand an emphatic victory and to cap a fine game for young Moyle…….

We are indebted to Dominic Clark for the match report following another hugely disappointing result for the club – as the 1st team bowed out of the Devon Bowl – and missed the chance of a next round meeting with Torquay United, beaten by the odd goal in five at Ilfracombe – that a FOURTH straight defeat in all competitions this season!

Willand crashed out of the Devon Cup in the first round and thereby missed out of playing league side Torquay in the next round. In a game that Willand dominated possession but lacked any real punch in the final third, individual errors lead to Willand’s fourth defeat on the bounce.

It was great to see Willand legend Headley Steele back in the Willand colours but his presences could not stop the rot as Rovers slumped again and are out of their second cup competition within 4 days. Simon Hill came back from suspension to captain the side but even his influence could not stem the flow of soft goals conceded.

Willand start well with some crisp passing but it was Ilfracombe took the lead in the 14th minute when a back pass to the young keeper took a nasty bobbl