Rhoose Rovers 2 Procopy Athletic B 1 (From Barry And District News)

Rhoose Rovers 2 Procopy Athletic B 1

4:00pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in Sport

AN unfortunate own goal by goalkeeper Nicky Jones saw Rhoose Rovers FC stretch their unbeaten Vale of Glamorgan Soccer League run to six matches and move to within a few points of the division’s top teams.

However, they were made to work for their victory by a valiant Procopy Athletic B who pushed the home team all the way.

Procopy began the game the stronger but were kept at bay by the defensive displays of the Rovers’ back-line and a string of fine saves from keeper, Owain Grandin, including a tip over the bar from a tracer bullet of a shot.

However, Procopy weren’t to be denied for much longer; the ball was played out wide and crossed in dangerously towards the far post and glanced home to make it 0-1.

The following 10 minutes proved crucial in the match as the opening goal sparked the Rovers into life and they levelled with their first meaningful attack; a brilliantly weighted pass from Lee Dixon found star striker Drew Barrett, who slotted home his 18th goal of the season to restore parity.

The second half, after the hairdryer treatment from the manager, proved to be a lot better for the home team.

The Rovers looked to play more positively and caused many problems for Procopy.

The match eventually grew into the derby that had been forecast; a match that saw the two teams battle for bragging rights of Rhoose. Both teams had chances and both ‘keepers saw plenty of action.

Then, the pivotal moment of the match; the ball was half cleared, by the Procopy defence, to Barrett who let fly a cracker to the ‘keeper’s right-hand post. The ball was parried onto the post and took an unlucky deflection off Jones’ back and into the net; 2-1.

The final five minutes saw Procopy launch several attacks towards the Rhoose goal but a fantastic rearguard display from the home team saw the final whistle blow and celebrations begin for Rhoose Rovers.

Rhoose Rovers squad: Owain Grandin, Darren Price, Joe Walsh, Dale Trickett, Jonny Powell, Liam Byrne, Lee Dixon, Chris Vinson, Cory O’Toole, Drew Barrett, Josh Rowe; SUBS: Matt Robinson (59”), Ashley Baker (65”), Aidan Byrne (73”) and Sam Walsh.

Rovers’ next fixture is against Glenbrook B at Wenvoe on Saturday, February 23; kick-off 2pm.