MATCH REPORT - First Blood to Rovers

Sunday's tie was not for the squeamish

For the first away game of the season, Rovers travelled to Bohunice to face Karlsberg B for an early kick off in glorious sunshine. And from the first whistle it was immediately clear that this game would be a test of Rover's energy levels in the withering heat.

Rovers defended stoutly throughout the first half, with very few chances to test the opposition's defence. Throwing all they had into keeping Karlsberg at bay, midfield general Matt Smith became the first casualty, victim of a challenge from behind that drew a yellow for the opposition, but blood red for Smith's knees. Moments later a similar challenge on Colin Kimbrell gave Rovers another free kick, albeit one which led to nothing. However, the clearly incensed Kimbrell was quick to exact revenge in the best possible way. To the left of the penalty spot, the ball was threaded through to his feet and the New Orleans maestro buried it in the top right corner to become Melchester Rovers' first ever scorer. A truly historic moment.


Little kid demonstrates it is possible to graze your knees and not make a big girly fuss about it

Karlsberg possibly felt they deserved something from the first half, and began the second with even more determination. Again, Rovers defended deep and were extremely lucky when Karlsberg's best shot of the game hit defender Paul Holland's wrist on the goal-line early in the half. Although accidental (as anyone who's seen him trying to play in goal will confirm, there's no way he could have got his hand to it if he'd actually tried), he'd clearly prevented a certain goal, and Holland feared the worst from the referee. Confusion and controversy followed then, as the referee correctly adjudged it to have been ball to hand and waved away Karlsberg's appeals.

One lucky escape, but disasters were to follow as goalkeeping hero Ionas landed badly whilst collecting a high ball, destroying his ankle in the process. Defensive rock and fellow Romanian Iulien took his place between the sticks, and Rovers appeared to be on the ropes. Another (this time legal) goal-line clearance was an ominous sign, and sure enough, minutes later Karlsberg were level.

Rovers dug deep, however, and began creating some chances at the other end. Finally, with 8 minutes on the clock, Smith also got some payback by rolling the ball past the keeper and into an empty net. With the clock ticking down, the pressure was on the reds to shut up shop for the last barrage from Karlsberg, but with just a couple of minutes left, Kimbrell popped up again to shoot home his second, and secure Melchester's first points.

After the game a mysteriously absent Roy Race sent his congratulations to the Rovers, and particularly 2 goal hero Kimbrell. "Colin's first reminded me of a goal I scored in one of the 517 derbies I played for Rovers against local rivals Melboro" he enthused. "You don't forget those in a hurry."


Colin's goal sort of looked a bit like this