Match report by Mathew Mahony

After a 1-0 loss in the opening round of 2006 Rovers went in to Saturday's game against Rangers full steam ahead. Rangers had had a convincing win in their fist outing of the season.

Rovers started strongly with brilliant passing and support play through the middle and down both wings. Ismet and Akin had early chances put neither found the back of the net. Our defence was put through its paces but any stray balls were soon cleared away. Amir made a few neat saves. Barry had a stray shot or two. After 15 minutes went by, Paul came on to replace Ismet and had an instant impact. Dan replaced Allan at left back and both sides were pushing the ball wide with some end-to-end football. Matt came on 20 minutes into the first half to replace Dave on the left wing with the score still nil-all.

Both sides were running each other around, but at this stage Rovers were looking the stronger out of the two. Then within seconds Barry put through a great pass which held up for Matt to run onto and put the first goal away, but Matt was bought down right in front. Thank you very much, penalty to Rovers. Paul took the kick, no hesitation. Rovers 1-0 in front at the break.

At half-time the talk was to keep the pressure on Rangers and put a couple of more goals in. Again both sides came out hard, trying to snatch that all important goal, either to equalise or to forge ahead. Rovers had a number of attempts but again things went astray. As the game went on and nearer to the end Rangers started to find some momentum with their attack, while Rovers seemed to be a little disorganised and started to struggle. In a desperate defensive effort Rovers gave away a free kick just to the right of the goal. The kick snuck into the top right hand side of the net. It was 1 apiece with ten minutes to go, Rangers came back with another couple of attempts but an off-side ruling and a free in favour of Amir held them at bay.

Full time score Rovers 1 - Rangers 1

Goals: Paul
Pele Points: 1 each to Gavin (he never stopped the whole game), Jason (what can I say, an asset to the team), Ricky (was in everything on the day), Allan (fantastic in the back line), Barry (our leader showing us the way), Paul (for slotting in our penalty). If I had more points I’d give everybody one.