TUNAVILLE TURNED INSIDE OUT

Rovers booed from the pitch

The game proved to be an unmitigated disaster for the Rovers, going behind within 2 minutes to an own-goal from McKinney, when he somewhat over hit a back-pass to Slaughter. Over hit is probably an understatement, as Slaughter did well to get a hand to it diving low to his left. There was a great deal of consternation amongst the Rovers defence, following the incident and it was not pleasing to note the squabbling that then ensued, with McKinney in particular being singled out for some severe verbal abuse from his team -mates.

Goals 2 and 3 came in quick succession in the 38th and 40th minutes, with the defence being caught square on both occasions. It was truly a relief when the half-time whistle went. Donaldson was seen administering a severe reprimand to his players, who, if truth be told, did not seem to be paying much attention. The second half began in similar vain and with an out of sorts Dodd again caught in possession, the ball was whipped in, to be fired home by the opposition number 9.

Being four goals down Rovers played in a manner knowing the game was lost. Dodd was embroiled in a nasty incident with the home supporters and was very lucky to escape a caution. It was only time before another goal was conceded and it came in the 83rd minute, from a corner on the right. The Rovers defence was left stationary and the number 9 easily escaped the attentions of his marker, the Reverend Mullins, to glance the ball home for his second of the evening.

The final whistle couldn't come soon enough, and Rovers were booed from the pitch by their own loyal band of supporters, who had made the lengthy trip to Littletown.

The reaction from the manager was one of embarrassment :

"I truly apologise to those from Tunaville who have made the trip. How can the same bunch of players turn it on one week and be so inept the next ? It's a complete mystery. We were looking to Mitchell and Neville to get hold of the midfield, but for some reason they didn't want to know. We did miss the presence of Lucas, but it's really no excuse.

Furthermore in the absence of Horsley, we were very dependent on Dodd to provide some quality crosses, but he was distracted by the taunts of the crowd. Ok, so it's difficult sometimes, especially when you're personal financial situation is exposed to one and all, but he should know that the chant of "He's fast, he's flash, he might be short of cash" was only sung to prompt the sort of reaction we saw from him. We have certainly got some work to do before next week's all important cup game".

Tunaville : Slaughter, McKinney, Mullins, Rev. Mullin, Aslett, Neville, Mitchell, Wheaton, Dodd, Donaldson (c), Walsh.

*Regarding those injured players, the Gazette can report that both Lucas and Tinker are making satisfactory progress. Both have been undergoing extensive physio treatment courtesy of 'Ange's Beauticians'. Commented 'box to box' midfield player Tim Lucas,

"It certainly seems to be doing the trick. I have a nasty groin strain and through a combination of gentle massage and stretching, it seems to be healing nicely".

" I have been on the treatment table everyday this week and the physio, Dotty, has worked every day on my lower back and it seems to be paying dividends. I am hopeful that after another week I will be passed fit to play, although I may need to increase the number of sessions to make this an absolute certainty".