YOUTHFUL FIRSTS PROGRESS IN CUP

 
Rovers progressed to the Quarter Final of the Southern Combination Challenge Cup courtesy of a shoot out win over Abbey Rangers.

Rovers fielded with seven of the U23’s squad involved and a debutant in Tyrese Sutherland, although the experienced Liam Holden was back to provide some stability.

In an explosive opening 15 minutes, Rovers led 3-1 courtesy of a debut goal for Tyrese Sutherland, and one each for George Baker and Jephte Tanga. In between former Rovers man Daryl Cooper-Smith had reduced the arrears, and the same player made it 3-2 before Tobe Uzor made it 4-2 to Rovers going into the break.

Cooper-Smith reduced the arrears with twenty minutes remaining, and a last gasp equaliser by Jae Kelly took the game to penalties.

10 kicks each, with both sides missing two each, couldn’t seperate the sides, and so it was down to the keepers, with Abbey’s Sam Gray blazing over the bar and Rovers Dan Purdue converting to send them through.

Full report to follow