Rusty Rovers Lack Cutting Edge

He's got legs - he knows how to use them

With their new winter signings unavailable - Keeperman Dave falling prey to a mystery illness and new midfield muscler Dan M.I.A., it was an instantly recognisable line-up that took to the field on Tuesday evening against Kašpaři VM. Having lost the first tie 7 - 0, a slightly apprehensive Melchester certainly had much to prove.

Despite soaking up much of the early pressure, midway through the first period Rovers were caught on the break and Kašpaři VM were ahead. However, Rovers' response was positive and immediate - Nordheim was denied by the post, then moments later an indirect free-kick (backpass) allowed the professional Norwegian to snatch the equaliser.

Spot the ball?

Considering the previous result, at half time 1-1 was a decent score, and Rovers looked good for at least one point. However, despite again hitting the post and having the lion's share of chances in the second half - 14 shots to their 7* - sloppy Melchester defending allowed Kašpaři to score twice more to hand the reds defeat in their first competitive fixture of 2010.

A philosophical Roy Race told reporters: "We've maybe dropped points tonight, and we've definitely dropped a place in the table to 6th, but with our new secret weapon due to make his debut for Sunday's tie (taps nose enigmatically), we're optimistic about our chances of making the playoff positions."

Watch this space, vole.

*Statistics courtesy of "Rainman" Roman

Kašpaři VM 3 - 1 Melchester Rovers (1-1 HT)

CosteaJ, MestanekM, SmithM, SmithR, HollandP, DaviesR, NordheimV (1 goal), KimbrellC, GobanielN