For the under 19’s, a trip to Sheffield Wednesday provided an easy three points for Rob Kelly’s men, and similarly Manchester City were easy pickings for the under 17’s to dispatch of at Brockhall.
After the Owls had cancelled out Jemal Johnson’s opener with their only clear-cut chance of the half, the youngsters sought to regain their league early in the second half. This they did with goals coming in quick succession from Jerome Watt and Tareck Sakali. Although they overly relaxed and Wednesday hit back to cut the deficit to one.
However with their heads held high, the spirited starlets stole the show with a strong finish to the game. In particular Tareck Sakali proved key to two of Rover’s goals. Captain Alex Bruce and Clark Walshs’ firm headers extended the lead to three after they capitalised on Sakali’s devilish deliveries from corners. On this occasion Rover’s kept their nerve and grabbed another goal from yet another set piece. Peter Corvino eventually stabbing the ball home after a goal mouth escapade.
Maximum points from the last three games and a very encouraging performance left coach Kelly a happy man.
“It was a very good, all-round performance.”
Meanwhile back at the academy more expectancy from the recently strong under 17’s. Unbeaten in five and with a strong side fielded, Ian Miller’s side were favourites in this Red Rose derby. City were hit early as Rover’s went gung-ho from the off. Up and coming striker Joe Garner and his counter-part in the firing line Keith Barker struck early on, Barker from close proximity and Garner with a diving header.
Barker’s obvious striker’s instinct helped him snatch another goal after Joel Byrom had added a wonderful strike to a strong performance.
Two penalties either side of half time saw City claw their way back into the game, but just like their senior under 19 counterparts, Rover’s kept composed and settled down to govern a sure performance. Two goals were added late on with Garner grabbing his second and Gary Stropforth adding his name to the score sheet.
A deserving score for this promising group of youngsters and their coach had no complaints,
“We created lots of chances, took the goals well and defended well when we had to. I can’t ask for more than that.