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Geographe too strong for Rovers

Manjimup-Bridgetown Times
Jeremy Connor, of Rovers, puts everything into this kick.
Camera IconJeremy Connor, of Rovers, puts everything into this kick. Credit: Tari Jeffers/Manjimup-Bridgetown Times

Manjimup Rovers suffered a 6-3 loss at home against Geographe on Sunday in their second last game of the season.

Jesse Callaghan, of Rovers, scored two of his team’s three goals.
Camera IconJesse Callaghan, of Rovers, scored two of his team’s three goals. Credit: Tari Jeffers/Manjimup-Bridgetown Times, Tari Jeffers

Due to their determination and teamwork, Geographe was first on the scoreboard.

Lance Vivian, of Rovers, boots the ball to avoid the opposition.
Camera IconLance Vivian, of Rovers, boots the ball to avoid the opposition. Credit: Tari Jeffers/Manjimup-Bridgetown Times

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A pattern quickly emerged where Geographe would apply pressure to cause a mistake, then claim possession and quickly pass the ball up and behind the defensive line to a forward, making a run through defenders.

Sam Kerry, of Rovers, looks for options down the field.
Camera IconSam Kerry, of Rovers, looks for options down the field. Credit: Manjimup-Bridgetown Times

This style of play proved effective early, as the Rovers struggled to address them and the visitors established a dominant lead with five goals before the Rovers adapted successfully to repel these attacks.

Mustafa Ali, of Rovers, puts his skills on display.
Camera IconMustafa Ali, of Rovers, puts his skills on display. Credit: Tari Jeffers/Manjimup-Bridgetown Times

With 10 minutes left in the first half, the Rovers’ spark was ignited again after a defender shoved attacking midfielder Jesse Callaghan in the box, resulting in a penalty.

Callaghan stepped up to the penalty spot and shot the ball perfectly into the bottom left corner.

Coming out of half-time the Rovers had their heads up and were focused on playing a better game and making Geographe work.

Having adjusted to the attacking style of Geographe, the Rovers found they were much more successful in shutting down their attacking runs, than working the ball back up the pitch.

This playing style yielded more attacking opportunities for the Rovers, who were able to score next.

The goal came from a lovely corner into the box which struck a defender’s arm and deflected towards Callaghan, who pounced on it, not waiting for a decision and kicking the ball into the top deck above the defenders.

Rovers continued their good form, but despite consistent defence, the ball got past on three occasions and goal keeper Craig Emslie was tested with brutally powerful shots on target at close range.

Despite the best efforts of the Rovers, they conceded once in the second half, after a turn-over in the midfield and fast counter-attack left Emslie in a two-on-one with no chances.

With the game drawing to a close, Rovers took the last goal when Stephen Burch took a free kick from near half-way, lifting it well and on target.

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