FIRST TEAM MATCH REPORTS
2011 - 2012
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Saturday 21st January 2012
Charlton Rovers 1 - 1 AC Olympia
AC Olympia were the visitors to Balcarass 'Square Nets' on a windy but sunny January day. The Hosts started the game brightly and soon created chances but to no avail. The deadlock was finally broken when captain Mark Herebrt headed home a Jack Fairbairn corner. The captain had 2 more free headers from corners but a defenders flick saved the visitors on both occasions. Then Pete Hambling set up Jack Fairbairn after some good work but the wing wizard put his shot just over the bar. Then a couple of minutes before half time Rovers got themselves in a mess out the Ac striker was able to run through and slot into the bottom corner. The second half saw the wind step up a gear and Rovers found themselves stuck in their half for most of the second period but Olympia were not causing the Rovers goalkeeper any trouble having to make just one punch from a corner was all that was required from the Rovers number 1. Rovers managed to create a couple of chances the best falling to substitute Charlie Homer who brought the ball down and nut-megged the defender and was clean through, but after getting over excited hit his shot from the edge of the box and it curled wide. So a fair result and round two is same time same place next week in the Senior Charities Cup Quarter Finals.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Barnett, J Cooper, M Herbert (c), T Green, S Green, M Masling, M Hartley, S Bush, J Fairbairn, P Hambling.
Subs: P Daly for S Bush, C Homer for J Barnett.
Goals: Mark Herbert.
Man of the match: Matt Masling.
Saturday 14th January 2012
Charlton Rovers 4 - 2 Star FC Res.
Having not had a fixture in a month, Rovers were looking to shake off any rust and more importantly pick up 3 points for the first time since late october.
They started brightly, taking an early lead when Saul Bush tapped in after the opposition keeper was only able to parry an effort form Rovers' other front man Fairbairn. The lead did not last long however, with the visitors equalising in fairly painful/comical fashion. Their first real venture into the Rovers half resulted in a throw-in that was hurled long into the box, and sneaked agonisingly in at the near post past the despairing dive of Chris Courtney-Smith. The Scorer? None other than Rovers skipper Mark Herbert, presumably trying to add to his three goals for the season...
Shaken by this setback, Rovers pushed forward in number(including right back Matt Courtney-smith operating as an additional forward for much of the half, much to the dismay of his captain). Rovers duly restored their advantage soon after, good work by Saul Bush down the left allowing him to return the favour of his earlier goal by teasing in a cross which Jack Fairbairn smartly headed in. It was 3 - 1 soon after, Tom Green leading a counter attack which eventually lead to him leaping like the proverbial salmon to head his first goal in 22 years on planet earth.
Rovers then coasted along missing chance after chance, before gifting Star a goal midway through the second half, but we won't dwell on the details of that particular goal any longer....
More chances came and went, before Jimmy Callinan stepped up and crashed in an absolute pearler from what initially seemed around 45 yards out, but on closer inspection (using the Courtney-Smith's new measuring device) was actually confirmed as a 20 yard deflected strike. They all count though.
So Rovers start 2012 as they mean to go on, hopeful that this result can propel them back into the promotion race and also to cup success at the home of football, Whaddon Road.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, M Courtney-Smith, M Herbert (c), J Cooper, J Barnett, J Callinan, M Masling, P Daly, T Green, J Fairbairn, S Bush.
Subs: M Hartley for M Courtney-Smith, S Green for M Masling, P Hambling for S Bush.
Scorers: Saul Bush, Jack Fairbairn, Tom Green, Jimmy Callinan.
Man of the match: Jimmy Callinan.
Saturday 17th December 2011
Charlton Rovers 0 - 0 Apperley & Tewkesbury Dynamos
On a warm winters day Rovers looked to finish the year on a high, and for 90 minutes they threw everything they had at Apperley and Apperley threw everything they could in the way to prevent a Rovers goal. So it ended 0 - 0 a second clean sheet for the home team and a rare man of the match performance from James Barnett, but 2 points dropped for the Rovers.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, P Daly (c), M Courtney-Smith, B Williams, J Barnett, S Green, J Callinan, M Masling, M Hartley, S Bush, C Homer.
Subs: T Green for S Bush, J Cooper for M Hartley, P Hambling for J Callinan.
Man of the match: James Barnett
Saturday 12th December 2011
Charlton Rovers 5 - 0 Broadway United
(LEAGUE CUP 2ND ROUND)
A welcome respite from the recent problems of the league as Rovers entertained high-flying Broadway in the League Cup. With several absentees, the boss decided to experiment with a narrow formation, which included a rare start for James Barnett at left back....
After an even start which included some feisty tackles, mainly from the visitors. Rovers took the lead when Saul 'Axel Folley' Bush intercepted a poor pass-back, and found Matt Hartley with an audacious pass of the visitors post, Hartley kept his composure and intelligently found an onside Jack Fairbairn in a new striking position, who popped in the opener.
It remained that way until the break, with Rovers wasting numerous opportunities to extend their lead and put the game to bed, while Broadway seemed content to kick anything blue that they could lay their studs on.
Half time saw the inevitable red card for a Broadway player, effectively ending the contest and allowing Rovers to relax in the second half. Further goals arrived through Saul with a brace, before a left-foot pile-driver from substitute Charlie Homer which left the 'keeper motionless. With minutes to go Saul completed his hat trick with a nonchalant flick from a corner and ensured he took home the match ball (only if he gave Pricey £20 for it).
So a comfortable victory for Rovers (and a rare clean sheet for stopper Courtney-Smith) which sees them back to winning ways and just two games from Whaddon Road. This might be the last chance of silverware for veterans like Paddy Daly before retirement, so they will be looking to grab the opportunity with both hands.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, P daly, M Courtney-Smith, M Herbert (c), J Barnett, S Green, J callinan, M Masling, M Hartley, J Fairbairn, S Bush.
Subs: C Homer for J Fairbairn, A Wade for S Green
Goals: Saul Bush (3), J Fairbairn, Charlie Homer.
Man of the match: Saul 'Axel Folley' Bush
Saturday 3rd December 2011
AC Olympia 1 - 0 Charlton Rovers
Rovers travelled to Olympia looking to bounce back from two straight defeats. The first half was pretty even on a very uneven pitch, Rovers created the first goal scoring chance when a Mark Herbert free kick was curled into the box and an unmarked Matt Courtney-Smith smashed his header against the bar and even Pat Daly's acrobatics could not steer the ball home. Then delight for the Olympia striker, a pass back to keeper Chris Courtney-Smith, as he went to clear the ball it hit a bobble and bounced over his foot (Paul Robinson-esque vs Croatia) and the striker duly ran through to tap into the empty net, 1 - 0 at half time. Rovers started the second half much better and started to cause the Olympia defence some problems but the final ball was not coming off. Pat Daly finally managed to break through first down the right hand side but the keeper was quick out to block his effort, then he broke down the left hand side but his cross/shot sailed over the bar. So another well contested game finished with the narrowest of defeats. Up next for Rovers is a home tie against Broadway in the League Cup, where they will be looking to put an end to their 3 game losing streak.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Cooper, M Courtney-Smith, M Herbert (c), T Green, S Green, J Callinan, M Hartley, J Fairbairn, P Daly, K MItchell.
Subs: J Barnett for J Cooper, M Masling for M Hartley, S Bush for J Fairbairn.
Man of the match: Tom Green
Saturday 26th November 2011
Charlton Rovers 1 - 2 Kings AFC
Rovers took on table toppers Kings at Square Nets Balcarras and where unlucky to come away with nothing. Rovers started well and were keeping possession but two uncharacteristic errors gifted Kings a 2 goal lead. Rovers rallied and Saul Bush making his first start for the club was starting to get in behind the Kings defence and a long throw-in was controlled superbly by Bush and laid to Pete Hambling on the edge of the box whose half volley flew into the top corner to make it 2 - 1. Within minutes Rovers had a corner and only a reflex save from the Keeper kept Kings ahead. The second half saw Rovers pin Kings in their own half and create chance after chance another fine save from the Kings keeper kept it at 2 - 1, but Rovers could not manage to score the equaliser. Kings then broke out of their half and got a penalty after a clean tackle from Mark Herbert was judged by the ref to be a foul, uproar broke out but the end result was the same, penalty to Kings. Up stepped their striker to smash the ball to Courtney-Smith's right but their was the Rovers number 1 down to it well to make the save. Rovers then had an even more clear cut penalty appeal than the one Kings were given turned down by the inconsistent referee. The score ended 2 -1 to Kings in a well battled game and ended a miserable month for Rovers which had started so brightly.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Cooper, M Herbert (c), M Courtney-Smith, T Green, S Green, J Callinan, S Bush, M Hartley, P Daly, P Hambling.
Subs: J Fairbairn for S Bush, P Rushton for J Callinan, J Barnett for J Cooper.
Goals: Pete Hambling
Man of the match: Tom Green
Saturday 19th November 2011
Gloucester Elmleaze 1 - 0 Charlton Rovers
A poor footballing display from Rovers First Team in Gloucester again.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Barnett, M Courtney-Smith, B Williams, T Green, M Masling, S Green, M Hartley, J Fairbairn, P Daly, P Hambling.
Subs: J Callinan for M Masling, S Johnson for S Green.
Man of the match: Nil and void.
Saturday 12th November 2011
Charlton Rovers 2 - 2 Broadway United
Rovers needed a late goal to salvage a point in a game they had so many chances to win in Cheltenham League Division One. Broadway played good simple football and created a number of first half chances, but fell behind when good work by Jack Fairbairn put Pat Daly in behind the defence he held the ball up well and Fairbairn got on the end of his pass to slot into the bottom corner for his 5th of the season. Rovers tried for a second but Broadway pushed forward seeking their equaliser and were successful when a vicious 20-yard shot swerved incredibly past Chris Courtney-Smith in the Rovers goal. It was backs to the wall for Broadway in the second half with wave after wave of Rovers attacks, Pat Daly at the forefront, but they failed to add to their tally, with a lack of composure in front of goal to blame. When Broadway broke and scored from a free kick it seemed Rovers had paid the price for poor finishing, but there was a twist in the tail. With minutes remaining, and Rovers running out of ideas, a seemingly aimless cross from James Barnett was headed into his own net by a Broadway defender and the points were shared.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Adams, M Herbert (c), M Courtney-Smith, T Green, M Masling, J Callinan, S Green, J Fairbairn, M Hartley, P Daly.
Subs: J Barnett for J Fairbairn, S Bush for J Callinan, J Cooper not used.
Goals: Jack Fairbairn, OG.
Man of the match: Pat Daly
Saturday 5th November 2011
Real Whaddon 3 - 3 Charlton Rovers
Rovers travelled to last years champions knowing that a big performance was needed to get anything at Priors Farm. Rovers started well but so did Real. Real Whaddon got the first goal after a quick throw in caught Rovers out. Rovers equalised before half time when a Mark Herbert free kick was dropped by the keeper under pressure from Pat Daly and Matt Courtney-Smith was on hand to stab home, 1 - 1 at the break. Rovers knew they were in with a chance and had 45 minutes to win the game. Real again took the lead after a Rovers corner Fairbairn slipped on the ball and on the counter Real made it 2 - 1. Again Rovers were not going to crumble and a Matt Masling corner was headed home by Matt Courtney-Smith to make it 2 - 2. Rovers then thought they had took the lead after great play between Daly and Greener, saw Daly skip past the last man and with a cross come shot looped over the keeper into the top corner, only to be ruled out for offside. Real then took the lead again from a long throw and a bullet header. Again Rovers did not hold back and a Jack Fairbairn corner was headed home by Pat Daly to make it 3 - 3. Rovers then seemed to have the upper hand and were pushing Real back and pining them in their own half, a Scott Green free kick was met by the head of Matt Courtney-smith but this time his effort went inches wide. Then Chris Courtney-Smith pulled of a fine save from a free kick on the edge of the box. Rovers then went on the counter and a delightful ball into the box in the last minute was met by Matt Hartley on the half volley and as the crowd held it's breath the ball smashed against the bar and away to safety. So it finished 3 - 3 and what an epic game.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Barnett, M Herbert (c), M Courtney-Smith, T Green, J Callinan, M Masling, S Green, M Hartley, J Fairbairn, P Daly.
Subs: J Adams for J Barnett, P Hambling for M Masling, P Rushton for J Fairbairn.
Goals: Matt Courtney-Smith (2), Pat Daly.
Man of the match: Jimmy Callinan.
Saturday 29th October 2011
Charlton Rovers 4 - 2 Whaddon United
Rovers entertained Whaddon United for the second time this season but the first in the league. Whaddon started the game brightly and created a couple of chances early on but they could not hit the target. Rovers settled and started to pass the ball around and run at the Whaddon defence causing problems. The opening goal came after about 20 minutes good link up play between Jack Fairbairn and Scott Green, saw Green float a delightful ball into the box and Pat Daly was on the end of it to head home the opener. Whaddon hit back before the break and the first half finished 1 - 1. Rovers started the second half quickly and where starting to create several chances and soon found themselves 2 - 1 up Jimmy Callinan closing down on the goalkeeper and the defender and in there muddle up managed to poke the ball home. Whaddon again equalised making it 2 - 2. Then as Rovers were starting to bombard the Whaddon goal, their striker suffered a nasty injury and the game was halted until an ambulance appeared to cart him off to A & E. The break only revitalised Rovers and Fairbairn made another fine run down the wing and his cross was met by a diving header from Scott Green to make it 3 - 2. Rovers soon added another as Whaddon missed a clear cut chance to equalise again, Rovers stormed down the other end a quick ball to Matt Masling and with a superb reverse pass Daly was through, as the defender came in to challenge him he managed to square to Hambling who made no mistake and slotted into the bottom corner. Hambling and Hartley both had clear cut chances to add more but could not get the ball in the net so it ended 4 - 2.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, T Green, M Herbert (c), M Courtney-Smith, B Williams, J Callinan, M Masling, S Green, M Hartley, J Faribairn, P Daly.
Subs: J Barnett for T Green, P Hambling for M Hartley, S Bush for J Fairbairn.
Goals: Pat Daly, Jimmy Callinan, Scot Green, Pete Hambling.
Man of the match: Pat Daly
Saturday 22nd October 2011
Charlton Rovers 1 - 3 Minsterworth
(COUNTY CUP 2ND ROUND)
Rovers entertained Gloucestershire Northern Senior Division 2 outfit Minsterworth in the 2nd round of the Senior Amateur County Cup (North). Rovers were looking to prove themselves against the division 2 high flyers and the game started quickly, Minsterworth had only one game plan and that was the long ball. So with Rovers missing some of their usual back 4, Hartley and Daly took there places at the back to try and deal with this threat. It was a constant bombardment and soon Minsterworth went 1 - 0 up. A long ball over the top and the striker let it bounce once before volleying home into the bottom corner. Rovers were not happy about this as they thought it was offside, but it was not. Rovers replied straight away, from the kick off the ball was spread out to Matt Hartley at right back who beat 2 players and fed the ball to Steve Thompson who then cut across field beating 2 players and neatly with the outside of the boot fed the ball between the centre back and right back for Jack Fairbairn to run on to. As the goalkeeper came out to close the angle Fairbairn chipped it over him and there was Scott Green to smash into the empty net. Rovers started to move the ball around sharper and Minsterworth could not handle it, although there was no end product. Minsterworth managed to take the lead again just before half time another long ball, another bounce, another volley another well taken goal. Rovers came out the second half knowing if they got the ball on the floor and started to move it around Minsterworth would struggle to keep with them, although this happened Minsterworth's defence was strong and quick to deal with any sniff Rovers had. Rovers then had the one chance they needed to level a Daly ball over the top fell to Kevlar who beat the goalie but the ball managed to roll up his body and back down and the resulting shot hit the post. Minsterworth then broke on the counter and as Daly went to receive the ball the striker stuck a leg out and sent him flying then ran clear with the ball and slotted home. All in all a good game Rovers played the better football but Minsterworth were more deadly with the ball.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, M Hartley, P Daly, M Herbert (c), T Green, S Green, M Masling, J Callinan, J Fairbairn, S Thompson, P Hambling.
Subs: S Bush for J Callinan, K Mitchell for P Hambling, S Johnson for J Fairbairn.
Goals: Scott Green.
Man of the match: Matt Hartley & Matt Masling.
Saturday 8th October 2011
Charlton Rovers 5 - 1 Tewkesbury Town
(LEAGUE CUP 1ST ROUND)
Rovers entertained Division 2 outfit Tewkesbury Town at The Fortress. Tewkesbury started the game brightly and were confidently passing the ball around but to no avail, after about 5 minutes Rovers took the ball of them and started to dominate and were soon 1 - 0 up. A Matt Masling corner was headed home by the returning Ben Williams, soon it was 2 - 0 another Masling corner was cleared to the edge of the box where James Barnett volleyed his first Rovers goal straight into the top corner. Rovers created several more chances but went into the break still 2 - 0 up. The second half started brightly and Rovers were quicker and faster all over the pitch and creating chances for fun. Scott Green lost the ball on the edge of the box but it fell to Matt Hartley who pushed it onto his left foot and smashed the ball into the bottom corner. Hartley soon made it 4 - 0, when a corner dropped to him in front of the keeper and he swivelled and tucked the ball away. Tewkesbury then got their consolation, a free kick was floated into the box and over the Rovers defence, the Tewkesbury striker then nudged Rovers keeper Chris Courtney-Smith out of the way and the ball sailed in. No point in arguing this one as the ref was not sure of the rules himself. Then Jimmy Callinan found his touch and let rip with a first time 20 yard shot the flew into the top corner 5 - 1. Pete Hambling then had several chances to get on the score sheet but the Tewkesbury keeper was having a personal battle with him and stopped everything that he shot at him.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Barnett, J Price, B Williams, P Daly (c), S Green, M Masling, J Callinan, J Fairbairn, M Hartley, P Hambling.
Subs: M Herbert for J Barnett, J Cooper for S Green.
Scorers: Matt Hartley (2), Ben Williams, James Barnett, Jimmy Callinan.
Man of the match: Matt Masling
Saturday 1st October 2011
Finlay Rovers 1 - 2 Charlton Rovers
On a gorgeous summers day in October! Rovers looked like they were somewhere else for the first 45 minutes. Finlay took an early lead and Rovers never got going. At half time the message was clear forget what has just happened or should it have been what had not happened and win this game in 45 minutes. Rovers started the second half and soon had Finlay under constant pressure but it was looking like Rovers were not going to get the break they needed. Finally it came after a Mark Herbert free kick from the edge of his own box, Hartley dummied the header and Pat Daly ran onto the ball and managed to poke it past the on rushing goalkeeper. Rovers would of been happy with a point, but with Legend Dave Payne making a brief viewing appearance the lads rose to the occasion and Oli 'Bolt' Bues brought the ball down and ran at his marker leaving him in his trail Bues drilled a low cross into the box and Scott Green was on hand to volley home with his RIGHT foot and seal 3 points for Rovers.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Barnett, M Herbert (c), M Courtney-Smith, T Green, S Green, J Callinan, M Hartley, P Daly, J Fairbairn, S Thompson.
Subs: O Bues for J Callinan, J Price for J Barnett, P Hambling for S Thompson.
Goals: Pat Daly, Scott Green.
Man of the match: Pat Daly
Saturday 24th September 2011
Charlton Rovers 3 - 2 Whaddon United
(COUNTY CUP 1ST ROUND)
Rovers welcomed Whaddon United to Balcarras for what was surely going to be a good game and a good test for Rovers against last years Division 1 runners up. The game started well and Rovers had all the possession early on creating several chances, but unable to finish one off. Finally the break through came when a corner from Tom Barton was whipped in and Ste Thompson stuck a heel up and managed to direct the ball into the bottom corner. Whaddon were starting to create chances now and twice found themselves 1 on 1 with Courtney-Smith in the Rovers sticks but to no avail. Rovers soon made it 2 - 0. Another corner from BArton was not cleared properly and Jack Fairbairn managed to spin two defenders before lobbing the ball into the top corner from 10 yards out. Whaddon soon made it 2 - 1, and it was only a matter of time before one of their 1 on 1's was converted with an exquisite finish. flicking the ball over the Rovers number 1 from the edge of the box. That was how it stayed until the break. The second half was more of the same although fewer chances where being created and any that were man of the match Chris Courtney-Smith was equal too. Whaddon soon equalised and the game looked to be heading for extra time going into the last 10 minutes. Courtney-Smith again made a magnificent save to keep it level, then Rovers with neat one touch football broke down the right wing, Callinan, Masling and Hartley linking well before Hartley squared to an unmarked Thompson who with the goalie to beat, fluffed his shot and it trickled towards the keeper. Thompson hitting the floor in disbelief missed what happened next as the keeper dived onto the ball he somehow missed it and it trickled in. 3 - 2 Rovers. Scott Green then had a goal disallowed incorrectly for offside which would of sealed it. Courtney-Smith then produced the save of the game as Whaddon's striker waltzed his way through 4 Rovers defenders and leathered it towards the top corner, somehow the keeper got a solid hand to it to tip it round the post. All in all a good game and a close score-line. Rovers now entertain moneybags Minsterworth at home in the next round.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, P Daly, M Herbert (c), J Price, T Green, T Barton, J Cooper, J Callinan, J Fairbairn, P Hambling, S Thompson.
Subs: M Hartley for T Barton, M Masling for P Hambling, S Green for J Fairbairn.
Scored: Steve Thompson (2), Jack Fairbairn.
Man of the match: Chris Courtney-Smith.
Saturday 17th September 2011
Charlton Rovers 5 - 2 Bishops Cleeve III
Rovers were looking to make it 4 wins out of 5 this season. in a clash which was reversed only 2 days prior due to Cleeve having no pitch available. Rovers started the game sluggish and where gifting Cleeve the ball and creating their chances for them. Cleeve took an early lead from a neat through ball and the striker slid it home. Rovers re-grouped and started to relax on the ball. The equaliser soon came when a ball from Scott Green was threaded into Pete Hambling and he buried past the keeper. Rovers were soon 2 - 1 up when another ball from Scott Green over the right back to Hambling who then put Jack Fairbairn through who poked it home before the keeper could get to it. Half time and it was 2 - 1 Rovers. The second half was much the same, long ball from Cleeve dealt with by Rovers, and time after time they tore Cleeve apart and had plenty of chances to extend the lead. The introduction of Pat Daly for Matt Masling changed things as the machine powered through 2 tackles to lay the ball to Jimmy Callinan, who with a smart touch put Scott Green through, he then rounded the on coming keeper and smashed into the top corner, 3 - 1 Rovers. Rovers then made it 4 - 1 within a minute of the restart as Scott Green won the ball played it to Jack Fairbairn and he put through Matt Hartley who coolly slotted into the bottom corner. Cleeve then found a new tactic instead of the long ball, a corner that they used to their advantage, which was miss-judged by the Rovers defence and headed home despite Tom Green's last ditch attempt to clear off the line. Rovers then made it 5 - 2 and concluded the goal scoring in the torrential 15 minute downpour, when Greener's shot was judged by the ref to have made contact with the Cleeve defender's hand in the box and a penalty was given. Rover's captain Mark Herbert stepped up to slot home from the spot. Another high scoring game for Rovers and another 3 points, but the team know the hard work has only just started in their first campaign in Cheltenham's top flight.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Barnett, M Courtney-Smith, M Herbert (c), T Green, S Green, M Masling, J Callinan, J Fairbairn, M Hartley, P Hambling.
Subs: P Daly for M Masling, J Cooper for J Fairbairn.
Goals: Pete Hambling, Jack Fairbairn, Matt Hartley, Scott Green, Mark Herbert.
Man of the match: Jack Fairbairn.
Saturday 10th September 2011
Star FC 2 - 6 Charlton Rovers
Rovers travelled to sunny Bishops Cleeve to take on Star FC, in what manager Tom Price described as a make or break game. Rovers were looking to bounce back from Tuesday's humble defeat and with Hurricane Hilda behind Star the first half was always going to be hard. Rovers played some neat football and created a few early chances but to no avail. Then Star took a shock lead a ball whipped into the box helped by the wind was headed into his own net by Matt Courtney-Smith. Rovers did not deserve this and dug deep, finally Matt Hartley wriggled free from 2 challenges on the edge of the box to slot home his first of the season. Rovers went into the break level and came out second half with the Hurricane behind them although this was not needed as Rovers exploited Star all over the pitch with quick one touch football. Scott Green then curled a ball to the back post for Pat Daly to head home 2 - 1. Rovers were now creating chances for fun and soon Oli Bues made it 3 - 1. Scott green then ducked and dived his way into the box before doing an army roll to slot home number 4 (got a very nasty graze for his heroics!!!!!!!!) Pete Hambling fresh off the bench then twisted and turned on the edge before firing into the top corner to make it 5 - 1. Mark Herbert then decided he wanted to play like the guy on the John Smith's advert an smashed the ball up into the sky and with the wind behind it, the ball eluded the defender before finally bouncing through to Oli Bues at the back post to head home number 6. Rovers then conceded a soft penalty and Star got another consolation, final score 6 - 2.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Barnett, M Herbert (c), M Courtney-Smith, T Green, S Green, M Masling, M Hartley, O Bues, P Daly, J Fairbairn.
Subs: J Callinan for M Hartley, P Hambling for J Fairbairn, J Adams for T Green.
Scorers: Oli Bues (2), Matt Hartley, Pat Daly, Scott Green, Pete hambling.
Man of the match: Oli Bues.
Tuesday 6th September 2011
Newton 3 - 1 Charlton Rovers
Rovers travelled to Whaddon Rec looking to build on their 2 victories and after last weeks emphatic victory over the home side new they would have to dig deep to claim all 3 points. Rovers started brightly and soon took the lead after a corner was only half cleared and Matt Courtney-Smith was on hand to smash home his first of the season. Rovers then sat back and thought it was going to be an easy ride, Newton on the other hand had different ideas. another team who play the long ball game managed to grab an equaliser and then go into the break 2 - 1 up. Rovers came out for the second half still looking dis-jointed and 2 magnificent saves from the Newton keeper and Oli Bues goal ruled out incorrectly for offside meant Rovers could not grab an equaliser and then with Rover pushing Newton ran through and got a third. Manager Tom Price said "after a good start we sat back thinking it was going to be another easy victory and it was not. All the lads are disappointed and so am I, as we know we can play much better than that. I have told them put it behind you and perform on Saturday to get things back on track".
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Barnett, M Herbert (c), M Courtney-Smith, T Green, S Green, J Callinan, M Hartley, P Hambling, P Daly, J Fairbairn.
Subs: O Bues for J Callinan, M Masling for P Hambling, C Homer for J Barnett.
Scorers: Matt Courtney-Smith.
Man of the match: Not today!
Saturday 3rd September 2011
Falcons 0 - 1 Charlton Rovers
The local derby was early this year, and it seems like only last week we were here fighting for the title but Rovers wanted to extend their good start away at The Beeches. Rovers started the brighter of the two and created a few early chances through Oli Bues and Pete Hambling but neither could register the opening goal. Finally a break through and Rovers played some neat one touch football to free Pat Daly down the wing. The machine was far to strong for his opponent knocking him to one side and then feeding Jimmy Callinan who had made the late sprint into the box, Callinan then decided to take a touch and toy with the keeper before dragging it around him and tapping into an empty net. 1 - 0 the Rovers. Falcons started to get their foot in the door and a brilliant cross found 2 Falcons players unmarked at the back post but luckily the header went wide. The second half was more of the same long ball from Falcons defended by Rovers then given straight back to Falcons to do again. With some poor reffin decisions against both sides, Rovers had a stone wall penalty turned down. The Falcons long ball bombardment continued until the final whistle to which Rovers took everything they could throw at them and dealt with it superbly. A solid defensive performance and great battling midfield along with endless running by the attackers made sure Rovers came away with all 3 points and made it 2 wins out of 2. This will put Rovers in good steed for the reverse fixture against Newton on Tuesday, which is sure to be a battle.
Starting XI: C Courtney-Smith, J Barnett, M Herbert (c), M Courtney-Smith, T Green, S Green, M Masling, J Callinan, O Bues, P Daly, P Hambling.
Subs: M Hartley for M Masling, C Homer for P Hambling, J Fairbairn for J Callinan.
Scorers: Jimmy Callinan.
Man of the match: Scott Green & Matt Courtney-Smith.
Tuesday 30th August 2011
Charlton Rovers 9 - 0 Newton FC
Rovers started life in Division 1 in exceptional fashion, tearing an established Newton side to shreds and finding themselves 5 - 0 up at the break. Some great flashes of skill and some well worked team goals together with commitment and organisation put the home team in control. The second half was much the same and Rovers added a further 4 goals to seal the great start and defended solidly as goalkeeper Craig Baker never had a save to make. The goals came from captain Mark Herbert (2), Pat Daly (2), Jack Fairbairn (2) and 1 each for Pete Hambling, Oli Bues and Matt Hartley. Rovers will face a sterner test in the reverse fixture this coming Tuesday, but Manager Tom Price believes if his team can start every game like that it would be brilliant.
Starting XI: C Baker, J Barnett, M Herbert (c), M Courtney-Smith, T Green, M Masling, S Green, J Callinan, P Daly, O Bues, P Hambling.
Subs: M Hartley for J Callinan, J Fairbairn for P Daly, B Williams for P Hambling.
Scorers: Pat Daly (2), Mark Herbert (2), Jack Fairbairn (2), Oli Bues, Matt Hartley, Pete Hambling.
Man Of The Match: Matt Courtney-Smith. |
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