Page 13 - Tuffley Rovers FC sample

The last time out against today’s opposition at Glevum Park

After Mann was fouled on the touchline, Burns
produced a bending free-kick that Pritchett met
twelve yards out and produced a beautifully
judged header, guiding the ball beyond Kinsella
and into the bottom corner of the net.

Both sides continued to trade blows, without
any clear opportunities, and Rovers took their
two goal advantage into the half-time interval.

Rovers came out looking full of intent but were rocked just six minutes into the second
period, when Neville Roach found himself unmarked at the far post, meeting Jesse
Wilson’s header back across the goal and nodding the ball past Evans from close range.

Both sides continued to contribute to an end-to-end affair, with Rovers shading the
possession and territorial advantage, but clear chances were few and far between.
Dobbins went close, as he latched onto Jamie Goodwin’s through ball, before Kinsella
raced from his line to block the ball, but neither side looked certain to add to the scoreline.

The decisive goal finally came on 78 minutes, as two substitutes combined to create the
chance. Liam Wright’s cross was met by Shayne Anson and although Kinsella blocked
that effort, Dobbins was able to force the ball over the line, as he produced a diving
header into the bottom of the net.

If Pritchett hoped the two goal advantage would enable Rovers to see the game out
comfortably, Burnham were awarded a controversial penalty, as Anson’s clearance was
adjudged to be dangerous, as Callum Betts ducked into head the ball, and the referee
pointed to the spot, after discussion
with his Assistant. Jackman stepped up
to bury the ball beyond Evans, to make
the score 3-2.
Despite six minutes of added time,
Rovers defended stoutly and secured
three points that guaranteed a top-ten
finish, just twelve months after they
had finished in the relegation spots
themselves. Burnham’s future will be
out of their hands, as they stare a third
successive relegation in the face.