Match Preview
Willand Rovers v Shaftesbury FC
It’s under the floodlights for Rovers tomorrow night as our previously postponed clash with Shaftesbury FC takes place in the Southern Football League Division One South with a 7:30 pm KO at Silver Street.
Last time out for Rovers was a Devon derby where the visitors were Exmouth to the street and with familiar faces back on the turf in both dugouts, a bumper attendance of over 350 packed the village for what was set to be another riveting clash in the Southern League.
The visitors came out on top however with a stunner from Sam Morcom and an important double from Matt Wright. Ben MacIver-Redwood opened his account for Willand in the late stages, but it wasn’t enough for a full comeback, and a midweek game once again provides an opportunity for Rovers to get back on track.
However, Shaftesbury have had a solid season under Jim Milligan who once again is taking the Rockies to new heights where this season they currently sit right outside the playoffs with an opportunity to knock Cleeve out on Wednesday.
Their last outing was a vital home win to Bristol Manor Farm where James Ward, Lewis Brown & Harry Baker provided the goals to secure all three against a Manor Farm side who have had an underwhelming season. Our last clash with the visitors was a 3-2 defeat at Cockrams where Bailey Kempster’s brace put us ahead at the break but the hosts clawed it back when it mattered and took all three on the evening.
One to watch for the visitors would have to be Alefe Santos who’s had a decorated career as he started at Bristol Rovers before making the move over to Derby County. However, Somerset called again for the Brazilian as he joined Yeovil Town. From there he has had multiple spells across a whole host of non-league clubs and currently finds himself on the Dorset border.
The weather has vastly improved, and the pitch has recovered from Saturday. It’s time to once again get behind the boys whilst we look to leap out of the relegation zone. Bring a mate, pack the gate. Up the Rovers!
#WeAreRovers #COYR
