Taringa Rovers Soccer Football Club

PREMIER LEAGUE - REPORT

TARINGA ROVERS VS ROCHEDALE

A 0-0 scoreline sometimes suggests that the game was a dull affair. Far from it, this was full of excitement and end to end football played at pace and with much intensity. Both sides had their chances to get all three points.

This was our fifth clean sheet of the season but certainly the most treasured. It was just the second time in the season that Rochedale failed to score against an opponent.

This was a very good performance and I think that Kieran Cooper will agree that we took it to Rochedale and for periods we were at least their equal. Our passing game was crisp and we played through the midfield and out from the back very well I thought.

TABULO, and LOVELL were kept in check by our youngsters HANSEN, and RUGGLES, and at times the pair had the Rochedale wide men on the back foot. Both RUGGLES, and HANSEN made great runs from deep which culminated with shots on goal and in fact in the first half HANSEN had a volleyed shot well saved by Mario APARICIO the Rochedale custodian.

Making his debut for Taringa was Will DENNIS who started in the centre of a three man central midfield combination. DENNIS was instrumental and directed play well with his deft touches and solid defence.

BENNETT, and AUSTEN controlled the centre of defence and were very capably assisted by SHEPHERD who screened them as a defensive midfielder. THOMAS, and PURTON were the engine room for us and worked tirelessly all evening.

KUYPER, and LACEY played with injuries, but one could hardly tell as they toiled for each other and created opportunities.

Duncan SHORT in our goals was always alert and was often called upon as a "Sweeper" when he had to collect the long ball played over the top of our defence. He was hardly troubled, partly because of a very organised defensive structure, and partly because the Rochedale attack blazed the opportunities they had without troubling SHORT.

All in all this was a performance deserving of a higher finish in the table, and has proved that we are amongst the better footballing teams in the league despite our misfortunes this season.

I am as proud as punch of my lads they all have huge hearts and plenty of talent. They played for each other and played some very good football. Our pattern of play was generally of a very high standard and I thought that we probably edged it in terms of possession. I think chances were evenly shared, and overall a win would not have been unjust.