Team news – Page 81 – Willand Rovers FC

Scott pleased as two late goals see them beat Gillingham Town

Posted on 30 April 2015 by f28admin

Two late goals earned Willand Rovers a deserved 2-1 win over Gillingham Town on Wednesday night.

Despite dominating possession all match, Willand were unable to create many clear cut chances against their stubborn visitors, with Kai Fisher heading over and player-manager Scott Rogers seeing a shot saved.

When Elliot Bevis’ shot eight minutes from time squirmed under Willand goalkeeper Kurtis Parkin, it looked like Town would take a shock win, but two goals inside two minutes from Rogers and Lee Smythe gave Rovers victory, pleasing Rogers.

The Silver Street boss said: “The boys did really well, we bounced back from losing on Saturday and put in a really good performance. We thoroughly deserved to win although, with 10 minutes to go, we looked like we were going to lose it; it went from one extreme to the other at the end. I’m chuffed we got the win.

“I think we thought that we’d go onto win once we scored but unfortunately, we didn’t get it, which is the story of our season as we’ve always looked like we might concede one. We did it again tonight but, fortunately, we bounced back and got the two goals. We needed to win to take us into the weekend and we need another win to take us into third or fourth, so it’s everything to play for.

“Luke Durham played on Saturday and didn’t have one of his best games, so he was on the bench tonight and came on and recorded two assists, which shows what a strong squad we’ve got. I’ve been going on about my squad all season, as they’re a great bunch of lads that have given everything. No one’s left, they’ve all stayed and hopefully they’ve all enjoyed it.”

Rogers’ side now host league leaders Melksham Town on Saturday before closing out their league season against Slimbridge on Bank Holiday Monday.

Melksham go into the game knowing that a win will secure them the Western League Premier Division title, yet Rogers says his side will be focusing on their own game, rather than trying to play the role of party-poopers.

He revealed: “Melksham will bring a few down here but my priority is to make sure we finish as high as we can. We’ve got to make sure of that with the two games over the weekend.

“All the boys won’t be able to play in both of them, so I’ll have to rotate it a little but we’ll be looking to get a result. It’ll be two tough games, Melksham and Slimbridge.

“We want to go into the Les Phillips Cup final with a bit of momentum and we’ve always bounced back from bad performances, which is why we are where we are. However, I want to go into the game with two good performances, as it will mean all the boys are playing well and it will be a hard decision as to who’s going to play in the final.”

Who played the most – and who scored the most? Rovers Under-16s under the spotlight

Posted on 28 April 2015 by f28admin

Over the five years of the life of our current Under-16s – they started life as an Under-12 team – a large number of players have turned out for the side. Incredibly there are joint top scorers after the 96 matches that the team played.

We salute Ollie Elsworthy (54 goals in 86 games) and Sam Jones (54 goals in 94 games).

Two players scored five in a single game – the first was when Ben Seymour did so – what a player he was by the way and he has this season been turning out for the Exeter City Under-18 team – ben played twice and scored seven goals. The other to net five in one game is Levi Edwardson who joined the team at the start of the final season (U16) – Levi played nine times and scored 15 goals.

In terms of goalkeeping. Jordan Biss was the first to wear the gloves. There were occasional shifts between the sticks also for Tommy Mortiboys and Ollie Elsworthy and Harrison Burton took over as regular gloves man at the start of the Under-15 season. he has ended his service at Silver Street (well, with this team – there’s more to come – we hope) with an extra-ordinary 18 clean sheets in the 28 matches he played. Mind you, as all Rovers followers would no doubt agree – much of the clean sheet building has been down to a settled – and solid defence – superbly marshalled by the exceptional Tom Badcott who is surely one of a number of the Under-16 team – and perhaps others who played since Under-12s but did not feature in this final season – who may yet one day wear the senior colours at Silver Street.
Appearances with goals in brackets
Sam Jones 94 (54)
Ollie Elsworthy 86 (54)
Jordan Biss 81 (6)
Will Birley 74 (24)
Dan Foweraker 68 (6)
Tom Mortiboys 66 (44)
Phil Andrew 62 (2)
Connor Pengelly 60 (20)
Tom Badcott 55
Jack Rawlings 53 (37)
Sam Rawlings 53 (31)
Ryan Shrewsberry 49
Kieran Fry 45 (10)
Harrison Burton 28 (kept 18 clean sheets)
Tom Bushby 26 (6)
Luke Horne 26
Mitchell Dart 24 (9)
Bailey Jason-Ryan 23 (12)
Owen Buxton 22 (3)
Max Cooper 20 (14)
Matt Leaney 20 (5)
Hayden Williams 20 (2)
Jack Aldred 19 (1)
Sam Mackenzie 18 (7)
Josh Mclean 15 (3)
Ben Morgan 15 (6)
Ryan Harder 13
Luke Broomfield 13 (1)
Archie Stoneman 12 (3)
Cameron Connolly 9 (3)
Levi Edwardson 9 (15)
Harry Foster 7
Evan Lewis 6 (4)
James Head 4
Ben Seymour 2 (7)
Ollie Searle 2
Harry Evans, Aaron Marks, Tom Punnett, Elliott Tanockc, Denis Wise, Cody Alford, Callum Luke, Jordan Lovibond, Matt Smith 1

Rovers Under-16s – journey’s END!

Posted on 25 April 2015 by f28admin

A double from Ollie Elsworthy and one from Bailey Jason-Ryan saw Rovers complete the PERFECT season as they defeated Staplegrove 3-1 in their final game of the 2014/15 season. That means this particular team which Clive Jones (with the assistance of Jonny Pengelly) on it and far too many to mention off it – (but all the same BIG THANKS to the small, but incredibly hard-working committee) that have been there every step of the way, wins the Taunton and District Youth League with the most PERFECT of league records. Played 12, Won 12. Drawn 0. Lost 0. Scored 49 Conceded 4.

It also means the team has gone through it’s LAST TWO FULL SEASONS together UNBEATEN! Yes, the last time this team lost was on May 10, 2013 when Wembdon departed Silver Street with a 2-1 victory.

That was one of just SIX home defeats at Silver Street in the five years this team was together – Galmington Dragons won at the Rovers HQ more than any other team claiming THREE victories, Wembdon (arguably the best side that Rovers faced on a consistent basis over their time in the Taunton and District League), were twice winners and Staplegrove, who are this season’s runners-up.

Come back to the Rovers website in the coming days to see a break down of who played what during five fabulous years with the Rovers Under-16s – LADS, THANKS FOR SOME GREAT – REALLY GREAT – MEMORIES.

As a footnote to the above HUGE THANKS OF APPRECIATION to ROB MITCHELL for his photography. He has been able to capture some terrific moments along the way and his work is MUCH APPRECIATED.

Photo’s from Willand U16’s 3-1 Staplegrove U16’s , below
https://plus.google.com/photos/106481448529677945455/albums/6142057774274825217

Sunday (April 26) NOON versus Staplegrove – the FINAL game of this particular group of players. Tis match number 96 over the five seasons the team has been running.

Slimbridge loss was bad day at the office, admits Willand Rovers player-manager Scott Rogers

Posted on 25 April 2015 by f28admin

https://plus.google.com/photos/106481448529677945455/albums/6141782847389187249

Player-manager Scott Rogers revealed Willand Rovers’ first-half performance in their 2-1 loss away to Slimbridge on Saturday was the worst they have played all season.

The hosts went ahead after just three minutes and doubled their lead midway through the half from a free-kick.

Although Willand’s second-half performance was better, and they cut the deficit through Brett Worbey’s penalty, they were unable to force an equaliser.

Rogers felt their poor first-half display caused them to fall to a second consecutive defeat after Wednesday night’s 4-0 loss to Plymouth Argyle in the Devon St Luke’s Bowl

He said: “It was a bad day at the office and the first half was probably the worst we’ve played all season. We just weren’t at the races at all and we had a few players missing, like Luke Alden and Lee Smythe, our two wingers.

“I’m not making excuses but we were out of sorts and it showed. We improved in the second half as we told the lads to make sure they went out and won the half.

“Their second came from a free-kick that went straight through Kurtis Parkin’s hands. He’s been magnificent for us this year and it’s just one of those things – a keeper’s mistake gets highlighted a little more.”

Next up for Willand is Gillingham Town at home on Wednesday, with Rogers keen for victory.

“It’s a really big, must-win game as we need three points,” he admitted.

Rovers Under-16s defeat Holway – but the night belonged to DAN

Posted on 25 April 2015 by f28admin

See the pictures from the game with HOLWAY by hitting the link below

https://plus.google.com/photos/106481448529677945455/albums/6141561987616742017

Rovers Under-16 secretary John Biss presents Dan's wife with the money and framed picture whilst either side of them are Holway players showing the t-shirts that the team wore on the night. — Rovers Under-16 secretary John Biss presents Dan’s wife with the money and framed picture whilst either side of them are Holway players showing the t-shirts that the team wore on the night.

Friday, April 24.

Taunton and District Youth League. Under-16 Division One

ROVERS (0) 3: 0 (0) HOLWAY
Ollie Elsworthy, Levi Edwardson, Josh Mclean

Football is, after all, just a game, and that is what was delivered for 80 splendid minutes by two well matched sides under the Silver Street floodlights.
The game was well marshalled by referee Shane Kellway and Rovers, champions once again of the Taunton and District Youth League, were made to work hard by an industrious Holway side who did their unfortunately (and desperately sadly) ailing boss Dan Toogood so proud with their collective performance.
However, this game was always going to be so much more than 80 minutes of action. The fixture had been re-arranged so that Dan (Holway boss) could see his side playing under the Silver Street floodlights. Typical of the chaps luck – illness prevented his attendance, but his lovely wife and dear son were both in attendance and, post match, the club were able to make a presentation of the match profits (plus the referee donated half his fee) and handed over a sum of £75 to Dan’s charity.
The club had also put together a framed presentation that showed a picture of the first Holway team Rovers had come across – the Under-12 team that had beaten Rovers 2-1 at Wellington FC in the 2011 cup final. There was also a picture of this season’s Holway team, and the frame carried the wording: ‘Holway versus Willand Rovers – always a cracking encounter’

Back to the football and it’s testament to the extraordinary discipline of the back three (skipper Tom Badcott, Dan Foweraker and Ryan Harder), and goalkeeper Harrison Burton, that YET ANOTHER clean sheet was kept. Young Burton has now played 27 times for the club and has kept an amazing 17 clean sheets!
Fittingly the goal that finally broke the Holway resistance was scored by a player who has been with the team since that very first game back in 2010 when a Rovers Under-12 side beat Phoenix 2-1 at Silver Street – Ollie Elsworthy.
His cool, calm, and clinical finish, gave Rovers a 60th minute lead. Ten minutes later Levi Edwardson rifled home the second and Josh Mclean, one of the undoubted stars of the season in this his debut campaign, slammed home the third and final goal.
In between we saw another midfield master class from Sam Jones and his young side-kick Connor Pengelly – the latter really has done so well playing in this accomplished Rovers outfit, and more than holding his own despite playing a ‘year up’.
Jordan Biss, another who was present on that first ever match day, played the full 90 minutes (this as we received a late, late cry off from one of the squad) and, as he always does when he gets onto the pitch, he let no one down, indeed he did himself proud with his shift in the engine room.
Bailey Jason-Ryan gave his now customary whole hearted ‘never-say-die’ performance – he proved once again what a pain he can be for opposition defences with the way he gives defenders not a second of time on the ball.

All in all it was another excellent all-round performance with everyone putting a good honest shift I for the cause.

For this scribe, watching the players who have grown with the team it was quite nostalgic as the match was of course the penultimate one this group will play together – the final chapter of this particular footballing story is ended on Sunday with the Staplegrove visit. It’s been a journey that has involved 96 match days (the Staplegrove one being the 96th).

So far 452 goals have been scored by the team in that time – the 450th was the first of the three against Holway – scored by Ollie Elsworthy who, with Sam Jones, has scored more goals than any other player of the 47 different lads who have played in this Rovers outfit.

Those still playing who were with the club on day one are:

Jordan Biss, Ollie Elsworthy, Sam Jones and Connor Pengelly. Over the seasons the team has bene able to integrate new players to such a degree that, for this scribe at least, we now have the best Rovers youth team this group has served up over the five years of its life time.

We started this penultimate report with the fact that whilst it was a game of football, the night was about so much more.

The night was very much about the fight being fought by one DAN TOOGOOD and he can battle away with his dreadful enemy (the illness) knowing that everybody connected with Willand Rovers Under-16s stands beside him. Good luck Dan – the very best of luck indeed.

Scotts thoughts on the Plymouth game.

Posted on 24 April 2015 by f28admin

Scott Rogers felt 4-0 was a harsh reflection of Willand Rovers’ Devon St Luke’s Bowl semi-final defeat to Plymouth Argyle on Wednesday.

Goals from Jack Calver, Ben Purrington, Tyler Harvey and Ollie Norburn saw the Pilgrims leave Silver Street with a spot in the final, with Dean Stamp being sent off with Willand 1-0 down.

Despite the one-sided nature of the scoreline, Rogers felt his men kept their League Two opponents honest for much of the contest.

“I think we matched them for a lot of the game and I don’t think there was much in it,” he said.

The last half-hour saw them pull away from us and, to be fair, they scored some quality goals but I thought there was not much in it for a lot of the game.

“We played a 4-4-2 and the boys did great, but to beat a professional side takes some doing and we were treading water by the end. Their fitness and quality shone through.”

Looking back on the match, player-manager Rogers blamed himself for not making some tactical changes earlier on.

“I did not play myself and I think I should have made a substitution not long after half-time. We were getting a bit tired and I should have brought myself on to pack the midfield a bit but I didn’t,” he continued.

“I just waited too long, but I am still learning all the time and I will learn from that one as well.”

Argyle will now go on to face Southern League Premier Division side Bideford in the final at Devon FA’s headquarters at Coach Road in Newton Abbot.

Rovers still have the Les Phillips Cup final to look forward to and the possibility of finishing third in the Western League Premier Division table.

Discussing Stamp’s red, Rogers admitted he was not shocked at the decision – which came about after a heavy challenge on Harvey.

But he insisted the Silver Street side still had plenty left to play for this campaign.

Rogers said: “To be fair, when I first looked at it I was expecting a red card – it didn’t look great.

“It probably looked worse than it was because he jumped in to get the ball and not the man, but it didn’t look very good.

“Dean will now miss the Les Phillips Cup final, which is a shame for him because he has had a good season.

“But we have five games to go including a cup final and I think we need eight points from 12 to finish third, so there is lots to play for still.”

18s threesome too hot to handle

Posted on 23 April 2015 by f28admin

Devon County Youth League

Thursday 23rd April (St George’s Day)

Willand Rovers 3 Alphington 1 HT 1-1 Kingdom, Bickle, Vittles

A balmy day gave way to a balmy evening as Alphington were welcomed to Silver Street for this Subsidiary Cup tie. Referee Dave Pointing got the game under way and after a time, Brian Holmes came along to run the line for Willand – thanks Brian.

Willand had secured the league title on Sunday and next Tuesday, they have the County Cup Final at Newton Abbot to look forward to. So many of the players had half an eye on their performance ahead of that game.

So it was a tentative start to the fixture yet after 20 minutes, there was little to show in the way of good openings or chances created. Both teams are capable of good football but the surface didn’t help and when final passes went astray as they did, Willand got frustrated trying to force it.

After 30 minutes, though, Willand increased their passing tempo and suddenly Bickle and Tillett got in behind. From a Bickle run into the box, Tarji Jones flashed a goal-bound screamer which was quite brilliantly tipped round the post. From the corner, Willand worked the ball around the area before Reece Kingdom steadied himself and then drilled a low shot past the ‘keepers right hand. 1-0.

But Willand couldn’t capitalise on their supremacy at this point. After 37’, Alphington began a flowing passing move which ended with a shot that Jez Cross couldn’t keep out. 1-1. A very good and classy goal.

After the break though, it was a different Willand and they had a purpose. They were playing on the front-foot and the tempo was exciting. Jones and Bickle were working the right flank, while Tillet was probing the left. Alphington had all hands to the pump and couldn’t really venture forward so most of the play was in their half.

JJ Vittles came on and hit the post after good work by Jordan Bastin, who thrives in circumstances like this. His touch is excellent and tonight it was as if the ball was glued to his foot. He was driving at the Alphington defence and several times he carved open opportunities.

Then Willand hit the bar before a corner was not cleared and Ben Bickle lashed home a volley from 6 yards. 2-1.

Alphington came back and with some tidy football couldn’t quite contrive the final pass to engineer a clear opening. Jordan major and Ash Matthews were exceptionally steady tonight.

Willand got a third when again good flank work led to a cross and Vittles finished off the move with a deft finish. 3-1 with 6 minutes to go.

In the last minute, Major gave away a penalty but the ensuing spot-kick was chipped over the bar.

The margin of victory was about right. Reece Browning also played well at left back, as did Jez Cross in goal and Sam Johnson up front.

This was this under 18s last home game at Silver Street and many thanks to Trina for organising the food again and Mary for running the bar!

Rovers Under-16s PENULTIMATE game on FRIDAY (April 24)

Posted on 23 April 2015 by f28admin

The Rovers Under-16s play their 95th (and penultimate match as a Rovers youth team) – yes some of the lads have been part of this throughout the journey from Under-12s in the Taunton League – on FRIDAY night when we entertain HOLWAY (7.30pm).

All regular squad please to be on duty – we are without the injured Phil Andrew, otherwise, with a couple of lads having cricket we need the squad on duty and will be adding Kieran Fry, skipper of the all-conquering Under-15s this season.

Players to meet at Silver Street at 6.45pm.