RHOOSE ROVERS 2

Vi FC 1

(after extra-time)

THIS IS a match that will live long in the memories of everyone associated with Rhoose Rovers as they achieved a hard-earned victory against Vi FC to win the Vale Soccer League Dockers' Cup at Jenner Park.

In a match that provided tension, excitement, physicality and ecstasy, the winning goal came in the final minute of extra-time.

The first half was a tight and scrappy affair, with both sides creating half chances but neither gaining the advantage. The only bit of action involved a heavy collision between Vi’s Jordan Mortimore and Rhoose’s Owain Grandin, with the latter racing out to claim the ball, only to take a heavy blow. It was a nervy few minutes for the team and its supporters but Grandin was okay to continue.

The second half was like watching a completely different match; the Rovers came out all guns blazing with some bright football, given the boggy conditions. However, they seemed to have left their shooting boots at home.

Rovers were almost made to pay for their lack of composure when a direct ball cut the defensive line and brought a free-kick on the edge of the box. However, with everyone on the touchline expecting a goal, the wall remained strong and cleared the danger to herald the main bit of controversy when Rhys Attley was put through on goal before being taken off the ball. Cries for a penalty were waved away by the referee.

Extra-time brought the majority of the action and, within minutes, the first goal for Vi following a corner.

However, Rovers were quickly level when, following a crisp through ball, Tom Bevan showed plenty of composure to net.

The final 10 minutes brought end to end football, with both sides having key chances before, in the final minute, the ball was played from Jamie Bagnall to Attley who by passed the defensive line for the winner.

Celebrations were far from muted as everyone raced to the corner to celebrate with Attley as his goal ensured the cup went to Rhoose.

RHOOSE ROVERS: Owain Grandin, Dale Trickett (Matt Bagnall, 52mins), Jamie Bagnall, Jonathan Park, Joe Walsh (c), Chris Vinson, Rhys Attley, Chris Bolton, Joel Preece, Tom Bevan and Josh Rowe. Subs not used: Ashley Baker, Jakob Andrews, John Martlow.

Special thanks goes to John Martlow for arranging a team coach for the day, Kevin Rees for managing from the touchline as Dave Walsh conducted proceeding from the stands and all of the families and friends that turned up to help make this a magical day for the club.

Match day sponsors: GDL Solutions, Go Direct! and KR Builders.