By Peter Stephenson
A mild Friday night at Anderson Park in Doncaster East saw Barkers (4th) visit Doncaster (8th) in round 10 of Men’s State 2SE. Barkers were only 3 points behind the leaders Hampton East Brighton, meaning a win would put Barkers on top for 24 hours.
Visiting Rovers is never easy, though, and Rovers attacked from kick-off. Defences were getting on top, though, and more worryingly, Barkers was allowing Rovers to knock the ball around in search of their speedy forwards, who were causing problems. Just before the half-hour, a sustained period of possession by Rovers saw them work the ball across the park to the left wing. The cross was aimed at the far post, where Voliotis headed it back across Naumowicz to give Rovers the lead, not entirely unexpectedly.
The rovers ended the half on top. On 41 minutes, Luka Barrueto went on a run, played a one-two and had a shot held. Then Rovers played the ball neatly into the centre for Misenga, and it was only a good tackle from Ahren Angulo that prevented him from being in on goal. Half-time: Doncaster Rovers 1-0 Mooroolbark.
Rovers began the second half as they ended the first, and within a minute, forced Naumowicz to save with his foot. Finally, the momentum began to shift, and Barkers slowly took over. Barkers cleared the ball out of defence and found Geordie Scott, who chested the ball down, turned and shot, but the ball went well over. Then a Barkers free kick was cleared to Steve Nittoli, who put his volley over. The reward came just after the hour. A dangerous cross came in from the left from John-Paul Cooper and found Watson. He had time to steady himself, before tucking the ball into the net off the post for the equaliser at 1-1.
Barkers were creating enough chances but were wasting them. Paul McEvoy hit a long ball to Watson, whose glancing header went to the far post, but nobody could capitalise. Finally, with four minutes left, Scott delivered an inviting cross from the left to find Cooper, who headed forcefully into the net to give Barkers a late lead which they held onto. This was just a reward for Cooper, who had had an excellent half since being introduced as a sub at half-time. Full-time: Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Mooroolbark.
This was an entertaining game for the sizeable Friday night crowd. Rovers played well early on (as they were allowed to), but Barkers worked hard for this win and eventually deserved it. When we look back on the season, if all goes well, we’ll recall this game as the one which forged the character of the side.
