HAT-TRICK FOR JOHN CUNNINGHAM ON DEBUT

Stepford

KO 6pm

A much revamped and strengthened Rovers side saw off Oromo comfortably with striker JOHN CUNNINGHAM netting a hat-trick in his first game, ISRAEL ONWUBIKO - one from the penalty spot - and HARALD MARTINS both recorded doubles, with the other scorers being RYAN DEVINE, JEBRIL ABDELRAHMAN, MOHAMMED ALKHABEER and, with a superb chip over the Oromo keeper, JOE MARTIN. Over the piece, there were assists from Cunningham (2), Johnny Greenwood (2), Cha Henderson (2), Martins, Onwubiko, Alkhabeer, Abdelrahman and Martin.

A competent display, though finishing was disappointing in the first half, while a clean sheet was particularly satisfying - with Cha Henderson’s brilliant tackle on the Oromo player through on the goalkeeper ensuring that happened.

Both goalkeepers, though hardly overworked, performed well; the Back 4, with Cha Henderson and Israel Onwubiko adding pace at full back and Lee McLelland and Martin Smith showing knowledge and experience at centre back, in contrast to recent performances, was always in control in spite of losing Michael Semirimu in the warm up, with the midfield of Dylan Monaghan - playing for the first time in over a year - Johnny Greenwood and the dynamic Ryan Devine performing at a good level. Up front John Cunningham was a persistent threat and finished clinically. The introduction of Harald Martins and Mohammed Alkhabeer in wide areas added fresh impetus to the attack and Joe Martin fitted into the central midfield area seamlessly.

Team:

Zalewski (Greenshields); Henderson, McLelland, Smith, Onwubiko; Devine, Greenwood, Monaghan (Martin); Abdelrahman (Martins), Cunningham (Byfanzi), Ekuase (Alkhabeer).