New Rovers 1 vs 5 GREENS FC

Holm Park

One down after only a couple of minutes, Rovers had most of the ball until the break but, in spite of two decent goal attempts from Jebril Abdulrahman, both brilliantly saved, and several chances missed, the half time scoreline remained 0-1.

Abdulrahman was brought down on the box early in the second period and AKRAM BYFANZI scored from the spot, and, with Rovers having the majority of possession this should have triggered the collection of all three points, before a dreadful long pass back allowed Greens to take the lead again. From then on, most of the play was in the Greens’ half, but several good saves from the home team’s keeper, some missed chances and a general lack of strong positive attacking play saw no change to the scoreline - until sloppy midfield play allowed Greens to break and add to their total and secure the points with less than ten minutes remaining. Two late breakaway goals rubbed salt into an already substantial wound - reminiscent of last week’s defensive display - and Rovers lost their first game of the season, in fact the first in the league since the first match in season 2023-24.

Passmarks - no more than that - in what developed into a hugely embarrassing performance, only from Abdul Alsahar, skipper Johnny Greenwood, Cal McGreevy and, though not as impressive as in recent matches, Jebril Abdulrahman and Nabil Al Humaidi.

Team:

Greenshields; Alsahar, Greenwood, Al Humaidi; Martins, Byfanzi (Ibrahim), McGreevy (Martin), Javed (Alaziz), Sweeney (Alhaj); Abdulrahman, Ekuase.

With two games remaining- if Caley Braves play - or a single game against Afghans, full points will win the league.