Report by Jon Green

Rovers exited the Francis Hiller Somerset Cup on Wednesday evening at the hands of Frome Town. It was second time Rovers had lost in the competition having been reinstated after Weston-super-Mare fielded an ineligible player in the previous round.

Frome currently sit atop of the Southern League Division One so this was always likely to be a tough game despite the hosts making a number of changes to their usual lineup. Rovers, however, are also performing well in the Western League and so took the chance to rest a number of key players whilst bringing in eight under 18 players; three of which started.

It was clear from the off that Frome were well drilled. They moved the ball quickly and tidily making it hard for Rovers to get any time on the ball. Rovers’ Theo Wynne was the first keeper into action, tipping a looping shot over the bar in the 5th minute.

When Rovers had some time on the ball they did make things awkward for Frome. In the 12th minute, Wayne Nderemani played a good through ball cutting the Frome defence. Under 18, Alistair Wach, hunted the ball down but the Frome keeper got to the ball inches in front of the winger.

Frome continued to look the more likely to score and in the 30 minute, got their reward from a corner. Warren Maidment headed past Theo Wynne for the opener. And a few moments later Harry Lucas clipped the bar with another header from a set piece.

Frome thought they had doubled the lead in the 36th minute when Maidment headed in again but the referee had seen a foul in the box and the goal was ruled out.

Rovers responded with a freekick of their own. Martin Lenihan swung in a cross that was met by Jack Dancey. His header was low and firm but straight at the keeper.

It was a narrow lead at halftime and with a bit of luck Rovers could still get back into the game. However the second half got off to the worst possible start as straight from the kick off, Rovers lost the ball and allowed Sam Meakes to go through one on one with the keeper making no mistake.

Rovers began to labour and the third came in the 58th minute when poor clearance fell to David Duru who was able to chip over the keeper.

With the weekend in mind, Rovers brought on four more of the Under 18s resting more key first team players.

The hosts continued to pile on the pressure and made it count again in the 81st minute when David Llewellyn scored with a bicycle kick following a corner.

Rovers continued to work hard and the Under 18s were tireless in trying to win back the ball but in the end, Frome looked a different level on the night and deserved to go through to the semi-final where they will face Bath City.

Next Up!
Helston Athletic (A), Saturday 21st March, 3pm