Report

The final game of the season would prove to be an epic encounter, to be frank the outcome of this game was never in doubt for Lady bridge champions elect , they were always going to be worthy winners.The challenge today for "the Rovers.", was not about the result but a personal challenge, effort, determination.

Manager Jones set out his strategy to the boys prior to kick-off, defensively he knew we would struggle as we would be without both our usual centrehalves and right back as giants Connor Keefe & Ed lavelle were both unavailable and club captain James Jones is  still recovering from a  broken arm! 

In goals Dom Freddie , would again star, this is a real dilemma for the manager. Dom is a quality footballer, intelligent, a deft touch and a fantastic finisher. As a goalkeeper he is not the tallest in the premiership but he is one of the finest shot stoppers , incredibly athletic, fantastic anticipation and would in his performance today demonstrate all those qualities, saving his team on at least a dozen occasions with breath-taking agility, one save of which was memorable, a single-handed right-handed catch to ball destined for the top corner!!.

Captain Andy hothersall would rally his team, Dom in goals. A back four of Josh Craig, who has been Mr dependable for New Longton throughout the season and must be a serious contender for player of the year. He is always assured on the ball and even in the most pressurised situation always plays good football on the floor and has been a stalwart for the Rovers.

At left back. Johnny Slater , doesn't profess to be the fastest left back in the league but has a superb reading of the game and again today. His ability to link with the midfield, clever balls to Charlie and Andy would make a huge contribution to the team.

At centre half's , Stand-down. "Rock and anchor", step up. "Granite and steel". The new pairing of Darren  Cobban and Jake Bailey would be incredibly impressive.  Jake "steel" Bailey in recent weeks has simply been a "Colossus" for the Rovers. Darren coming out of goal again would simply have the best game of his season to deservedly achieve his "man of the match.". Both these players have improved enormously in recent weeks, and to play against the league champions, all at a terrific pace , was a tremendous  achievement , they both should be rightly proud of a superb performance.

In midfield Captain Andy , would marshall Charlie and Max and Ollie , and allow Morgan to have a roaming role. Up front the electric paced Lewis Alcock

Manager Jones delivered his pre-match inspiration and the Rovers kicked off against a "howling gale.". The message was clear. Take the game to the league champions and wow  !! Did they do that.Within minutes Charlie, combined with Andy, who slipped a beautiful ball to Max  slater , and Max tested the keeper.

It was now all the Rovers. Andy in full flight, again under draconian marking, was hacked down again in midfield. Step up Jake Bailey, who floated a beautiful ball to Darren's head,which just slipped past the post.

Within minutes, Charlie  and Andy again combined, passed to that man. "Morgan". who curled the ball beautifully into Lewis stride, only the bravery of the keeper denied the Rovers.

At this stage it was all New Longton. Make no mistake, Ladybridge are a quality team and put pressure on the home defence but "granite and steel" were simply  at their best, time after time. Jake Bailey swept up and Colossus Darren headed safely.

Totally against the run of play on the 26th minute looping ball through the centre deceived the defence, allowing Lady bridge to take the lead, the team was hugely disappointed after such a fantastic attacking display in the first 25 min.

Towards half-time, a late flurry allowed Lady bridge to increase their advantage.

Into the second half. Again, the Rovers were on the ascendancy, having said that, Dom Freddie made two world-class saves!!, "How does he do that.", Simply astonishing stuff!!.

The defence pushed up, Johnny and Josh took the game to the visitors, New Longton had nothing to lose and at times played with great flair, real quality.

In the middle Charlie  Oxley  battled against a very strong Lady bridge team.  It was great to see Morgan back in form, his educated left foot must surely be the finest in the premiership.

Chances came to Rovers, Lewis was incredibly close on two occasions with the keeper and Morgan floated a beautiful free kick skimming the woodwork.

Capt. Andy Hothersall took the game to the opposition and led by example, how is that  boy not playing at international level??. Rovers have enjoyed all the benefits of Andy  running strongly at  the opposition, usually culminating the form of a James Jones trademark free kick into the top corner. !!  Andy again was unmarketable !!, And won numerous free kicks in dangerous positions.

The Rovers had to chase the game in the second half and pushed up strongly, without the benefit of fresh legs fatigue was a major factor.

Jake Bailey made a life-saving challenge only for the referee to point to the spot, at times it goes against you!!, Freddie dived to his right hand side but could only deflect the ball into the bottom corner, it would have been a fabulous save!!.

From the outset, manager Jones had  made it clear that personal effort was the most important result today and he should be very proud of a fully determined performance by his 11 man squad.

Lewis Alcock chased every ball, Max, Charlie and Andy always linked cleverly. Morgan was unlucky not to score at least two, but this was a day of extraordinary effort for the back four. Playing the league champions at a terrific pace and for 90 min, Johnny; Josh; Darren and Jake matched the visitors for effort and pace.

In the final few minutes a great corner from Andy was well taken by the keeper and working hard right to the end Lewis almost capitalised on a splendid through ball from Max slater .

A late rally from Lady bridge again enhanced their score yet again ,. But takes nothing away from a remarkable effort by the New Longton boys.

Every credit for manager Jones and Stuart Keefe, who always put a team out, no matter what the odds / or strategy.

Survival in the premiership is in the hands of others!!, But let's not be over concerned. On today's performance the boys would regroup and put together a formidable challenge in the championship. The experience has been superb and the entertainment and effort at all times has been to the highest level. The final score today was a heavy one but the fact is ..if the Rovers were at full strength it would have been a different story. Its ashame the team has struggled so much with injuries and player absences in the last couple of months. Lets not forget this is a highly talented team that won promotion to the Premiership last season,its the team that knocked the cup holders B.A.C out of the league cup! A team that has 4 players representing South Ribble Town U14s! The Penwortham Gala cup winners!
 

Man of the match went Darren Cobban for a heroic display in defence today 

Presentation Day is up next for the boys and Manager Jones will start planning the summer friendlies and tournaments. Lots to look forward to for New longton Rovers! 

Good luck to the boys, and very best wishes to all the parents; grandparents, friends and supporters who have been behind the Rovers all season. It's been a great journey, So many memorable occasions.

Grateful thanks to manager Jones and his assistant Stuart Keefe, for all their efforts in giving such a wonderful opportunity to our boys.

Kind regards to all.

"Voice of the Rovers."