EFFORTS ‘ALL FOR NOTHING FOR ROVERS

Rovers slipped to a narrow defeat away at high-flying Southall on Saturday, when a sole goal by the prolific Brendan Matthews gave the hosts a 1-0 win.

Sam Morgan was forced into a couple of changes from the side that had beaten Corinthian Casuals the previous week, with Oshane Brown injured and Matt Tanton suspended. Into the side came 17 year old Sam Roberts for his debut in goal, and Tariq Straker.

In truth it was a game of few chances, with neither keeper seriously tested in a competitive first half.

The second half continued in much the same vein, Roberts did save well from a point blank Brendan Matthew effort early in the half, and headers from Bert Lloyd and substitute Samuel Williams went close for Rovers.

The only goal came on 73 minutes, a great ball out to the right found Jaden Thompson-Brissett and his perfect ball into the corridor of uncertainty was thumped home by Matthew.

The late sending off of Southall keeper Charles Patmore gave Rovers a glimmer, but the subsequent wasted free kick ended their hopes.

Full report to follow.