Taunton and District Youth League
Under-16 Division One
Sunday, March 1
HOLWAY 1, ROVERS 4
Rovers made it eight wins from eight league starts with a solid all-round team performance in what can only be described as arguably the most horrific weather conditions a game could be played in! On a surface that was already cut up before a ball had been kicked, with a gale force wind blowing at an angle down and across the pitch, in freezing rain that was, at times, falling as hale, the team dug deep, very deep, to deservedly claim vifctory against a useful Holway side who have, in the past, been a real thorn in the Rovers side.
Without an appointed referee the game was officiated by a home player’s parent (and, in the conditions, he did a superb job).
Rovers, playing their customary 3/5/2 were sent into action by assistant boss John (JP) Pengelly owing to the late arrival of the injured Clive Jones (the Rovers Under-16 boss has sustained a nasty injury to his left hand!) – but, as is his way, even a heavily bandaged hand was not going to stop him being there and he pitched up moments after Baily Jason-Ryan had given Rovers a 10th minute lead.
Before the opening goal the mightily impressive Josh Mclean had got the ball in the home net, but it was ruled out for off-side. Mclean played a part in the opening goal as his splendid pass ultimately won a corner, delivered well by Ollie Elsworthy and poked past the glovesman on the line by Jason-Ryan.
Levi Edwardson, who had a good game on what was a glue-pot surface, thundered home to the second and that was the half-time score. After the break Jason-Ryan scored twice more – but such were the conditions that neither goal were seen by this scribe as his glasses were so wet!
Suffice to say the game was played in a terrific spirit and it was all seen by Dan Toogod – the Holway boss who is battling an evil illness (good luck to you Dan from ALL of us at Silver Street). Given the unfortunate situation Dan finds himself in it was perhaps fitting that the final word in the game was had by Kye Toogood as he scored a fabulous goal to complete the scoring.
Rovers:
Max Cooper (kept goal well in the absence of regular stopper Harrison)
Tom Badcott (whether a billiard table surface or a soggy swamp (as this one was at full time) – Baddsie always delivers – this performance was no exception to that rule!
Dan Foweraker (Had a fine game and perhaps was Man of the Match – certainly he carried out, to the letter, what was asked of him as a defender playing in such testing conditions).
Ryan Harder (showed just why he has settled into this team so well this term – calm and assured dealing with a lively strike force).
Ryan Shrewsberry (As ever, proved just how reliable he can be as he slotted into a defensive role fro the bench and won his headers and claimed his tackles!)
Ollie Elsworthy (Worked his flank well, had, at least, two assists and made sure that the home defenders had to keep a keen eye on him all the time)
Owen Buxton (He showed again in this match just why certain watchers liken him to Rolls Royce – he simply purrs through matches and this was one such performance)
Sam Jones (again the teams ‘go to’ player – give him the ball and he will make it talk – as he did a number of times – if Sam plays well the team play well!)
Connor Pengelly (Continues to belie the fact that he is playing a year up. He looks the part both in stature and ability and he gave another very good account of himself in this tough encounter)
Josh Mclean (Arguably the Rovers’ Man of the Match with a faultless display on the left side of a middle five – his control in the mud was simply stunning – at this stage of our season he has to be in line for individual playing honours!)
Mitchell Dart (Once again showed he is willing – and able – to fulfil any role within the team. Another with good touch that means, irrespective of conditions – he looks to play).
Phil Andrew (Again showed why he is an ever-present in terms of this Rovers Match day 13/14 unit. He is as reliable as they come and a solid player who once again in this game showed what a good player he is).
Bailey Jason-Ryan (Played ever so well, given the conditions, and was good value for yet another Rovers treble – home or away, this lad loves scoring goals!)
Levi Edwardson (Once again showed jut how valuable he has become to the Rovers U16 cause. His control, even in the worsening conditions, was excellent and he certainly gives opposition defenders a tough time!).
WILL BIRLEY – lets spare a thought for the Rovers ‘lino’ – his was arguably the toughest job as he had to plough a lonely furrow up and down a freezing cold and increasingly soggy touchline!
