February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Rovers 2, Glen Cove 0
Another terrific performance from the Rovers against their archrivals on Sunday left the Irishmen two points clear at the top of the league. Both teams were stacked with famous names, but Rovers held the edge throughout the deservedly won the game.
The foundations were laid on a solid defense with Rusty McGowan particularly strong, while Damian Dunleevy and Paul McGlynn were terriers in the midfield. Out wide David Price and Antoin Duibher provided pace and quality service for the strikers. But golden boy Stuart Duffin gave the traveling fans something to cheer about with a superb chip that crashed off the bar and wouldn’t fall right for Tony O’Donnell. Duffin then burst through only to see the keeper make a great save.
Rovers’ pressure finally paid off five minutes before the interval when a swift move down the left was lethally finished with a left foot shot from Duffin. Glen Cove pressed hard in the second half but were vulnerable on the break and with 10 minutes left super sub Steve Boggiano beat the offside trap to slot home number two.
It has been a 25-year wait, but coach Mark Hopper perhaps has a team capable of winning the Long Island league for the first time in Rovers history.
Rovers Reserves 2, Glen Cove 2
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The Reserves held their four point lead with a display that was all about character. Rovers took the lead when the keeper missed a clearance and Eddie Beji was first to the ball and the empty net. But Glen Cove threw on five first teamers in a bid to win the points and it took a gutsy defensive display from Mick Kavanagh and Willie Dempsey to hold on to the lead.
Goalkeeping giant Dave Ballantyne made two world-class saves, but the pressure was too much and a fine shot tied the scores with five minutes remaining. Rovers threw on Liam Flanagan in a gamble that paid off immediately, Flanagan crossing for Johnny Keane to head in the winner. Paul Kehoe and Dean Gibson were outstanding.
Rovers Over 30s 1, Glen Cove 1
Rovers took an early lead when in-form Marshall McAdoo latched on to a long ball and finished coolly. Rovers were excellent in the first half but Glen Cove are top of the league and dominated the second, goalkeeper Mick Carby keeping them at bay. Glen Cove missed a penalty just before halftime, but eventually tied the score with 10 minutes left. Overall a good result and coach Joe McGreevy praised his team for a fine squad performance, everyone taking the field did their job.