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Sat 03 Dec 2016  ·  North Division
Thamesmead Town
A Teniola (61')
1
0
Great Wakering Rovers FC
First Team
Thamesmead 1 - 0 Rovers

Thamesmead 1 - 0 Rovers

Robert Lilley9 Dec 2016 - 17:17
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Final third problems plague stricken Rovers further......

Rovers were defeated by the divisions bottom club for the second time in a week. Following a loss against Wroxham at Burroughs Park last Saturday, it was Thamesmead's turn to inflict a crushing defeat in what was a must win game for Rovers. Even the sending off of former Rover, Leon Gordon with 15 minutes remaining, Rovers struggled to make work in the final third count.

Both sides started lively and the early exchanges were shared, with each looking to break quickly and take advantage of counter attacks. With 10 minutes on the clock, Harley Kee fired over the bar following good work by Jake Gordon and Steve Butterworth.

in the 15th minute, Ellis Green flashed a shot across the face of the goal. A minute later, Leon Gordon received his first yellow, pulling down Jake Gordon, the forward just about to venture into the corner of the area. The resulting Scott Pethers free-kick was headed over by Nikki Beale.

Mead's Aaron Rhule aimed a header over the bar at the back post on 20 minutes, with Green doing well down the right for the cross.

Just before the half hour, Butterworth stole a march down the right and played in Scott Pethers, who's cross was mis-controlled by Jake Gordon, but thankfully for the forward he was deemed offside. Mead's following attack found Rhule, who's shot appeared to be blocked by his own player on route to goal.

The fire under the game was lit two minutes later, as Bode Anidugbe was yellow carded for throwing the ball at Nikki Beale. The match continued to simmer away as almost every tackle was being challenged up tp the half time whistle.

The second half started with Rovers Jake Gordon being played in, but Thamesmead were saved by the post as the forward lifted the ball over the keeper. The rebound, was pounced upon by Steve Butterworth, but his shot was well saved by keeper Tyler McCarthy. It was Rovers best chance of the game up to now, and would ultimately be the best chance of the game for the visitors.

Thamesmead were starting to find space and two headers by Alex Tenolia went astray, but his third effort just after the hour, would proved to be the winner. A deep cross found Ike Feehi, who headed the ball across the area, and it was Tenolia who struck the ball hard and true to beat Rovers stopper Matt Belcher.

Shortly after the goal came the moment that turned up the gas, with Leon Gordon getting his second yellow with what can only be adjudged to be dissent. Moments later Jacob Cleaver was sent on to replace Josh Banton, the forward continuing to get game time following a lengthy stay on the sidelines through injury.

Wilson made a second change with 15 minutes remaining, attacking midfielder Rhys Fatt coming on for Harley Kee. Fatt was involved immediately down the left, finding some space due to the extra man, but Thamesmead continued to defend well.

The latter stages of the game became very scrappy and although entertaining, will be something the game will be remembered for. Tackle after tackle saw players draw down time as the Mead bench argued over every referee decision, and even when the 6 minutes of additional time was displayed, Thamesmead held on admirably and showed the fight which could see them drag themselves out of the mire this season.

The result leaves Rovers in a precarious position, but with other clubs around the bottom of the table losing, it was both a day which could have given Rovers a huge boost, yet has also kept Rovers in with a good chance themselves.

Match details

Match date

Sat 03 Dec 2016

Kickoff

15:00

Attendance

76

Competition

North Division

League position

22
Thamesmead Town
23
Great Wakering Rovers
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