Our U12A’s lined out against Roundwood in appalling wet and windy conditions on the Rocky Road this morning. The game was a little slow to start as the players adjusted to the weather, but would soon develop into a thrilling encounter with Rovers camped inside the Roundwood half for three quarters of the contest. Roundwood struck first with a fortuitous opportunity after 10 minutes of play. Shortly after, a worked dribble from Jaime McGowan in midfield setting up an in-form Ryan Newsome behind the Roundwood defence, just missing the target to stay 0-1. Rovers, with a gale in their face, held Roundwood in their half for the remainder of the first period, but could not find the back of the net. Rovers turned up the heat in the seond half with Caden O’Brien using the wind advantage, awareness and his quality distribution skills to feed midfield and the foward line from distance. The centre back partnership of Alfie Kajani and Kai Hughes held solid but man of the match Will McConnell smothered Roundwood in midfield, with a relentless dogged determination for 60 minutes. The 9 man squad could not equalise despite the Rovers onslaught in the Roundwood box for most of the half. A tired 9 man Rovers squad could not have done anymore, and left everything on the pitch. Rovers are already looking forward to the return leg!! Thanks as always to the parents for their support on the sidelines, particularly given the conditions!!.. always appreciated and a big thanks to Roundwood for the game.🟢⚪️🟢