Recap

Rovers ran out deserved winners in their league encounter with Glacis FC after a 7-0 thrashing at Stade Linite.

There were two changes to the starting eleven with Trevor Vidot replacing the injured Lucas Panayi and goalkeeper Xavier Celestine replacing last weeks debutant Kidron Ladouceur.

Valdemar De Souza once again opened the scoring for Rovers in the 10th minute after cutting in from the left wing and getting off strong shot from just inside the box. The Glacis goalkeeper could not hold on to it and saw it agonisingly spin off into the goal behind him.

Rovers captain, Randolph Lablache doubled the lead only 2 minutes later with a low strike towards the far post after a quick one two with Fabien Chang-Time on the right wing.

In the 39th minute some more quick interplay saw Trevor Vidot go clear on goal and finish low to the ‘keeper’s left to make the score 3-0 for Rovers. Chang-Time once again providing the assist this time with a deft back heel.

Glacis offered very little in an attacking sense and rarely ventured into Rovers’ half with goalkeeper Celestine having almost nothing to do.

Rovers’ pressure continued and Trevor Vidot again found himself on the score sheet just before the half time whistle after somehow wiggling his way through a congested 18-yard box.

Play resumed in the second half with Rovers putting Glacis under pressure from the get-go.

In the 55th minute some desperate defending deep in their own box saw a Glacis defender stop a goal scoring opportunity with his hand and the referee did not hesitate to point to the stop.

The resulting penalty kick was confidently dispatched by Chang-Time into the top corner to make it 5-0.

The comfortable score line allowed coach Herbots to ring the changes with Yanick Hollanda, Joshua Clarisse and Freddy Monthy replacing Oliver Dugasse, Jean-Michel Vidot and Valdo Azemia within a space of 5 minutes.

Academy player Joshua Clarisse, making his Rovers debut, did not take long to make an impact when on the 64th minute he slotted from close range following a save from Chang-Time’s shot.

Only 2 minutes later Clarisse broke free down the right wing and send a low cross into the centre of Glacis’ penalty area with Chang-Time getting his second of the day from a first time finish.

Another academy player, Joshua Sinon, also got his first senior minutes coming on for the lively Valdemar De Souza in the 70th minute.

The Rovers pressure continued but no more goals were forthcoming.

The final change saw defender Jean-Marc Prea come into the game for the impressive Kevin Joubert in the 79th minute.

Rovers were lucky to escape without serious injuries with the tiring Glacis making a serious of dangerous fouls in the closing 10 minutes of the match.

The win sees Rovers return to the top of the table on goal difference having the same amount of points as PTL Bazar Brothers who also ran out comfortable winners in their 8-0 encounter with Beau Vallon FC.

Rovers Head Coach, Steve Herbots said: “We played very well. It was important we had the tactical discipline that we had and important we played as well on the ball as we did. We took those opportunities well and were very good value for those seven goals.

“Wins are hard to come by and when you get one you have to be happy with that success, then come down to earth quick enough so you start from zero the next time you take to the field.

“I want to dedicate this win to the young academy player Joshua Clarisse who lost a close family member just before the game. We all played for him and it was great to see him getting on the score sheet and giving an assist, coming on as a sub.”

Rovers next match will be away to Anse Royale FC on Tuesday 15th December at Stade Linite. The two sides have not met since Rovers’ maiden 2018/19 season which saw Anse Royale promoted to the 2nd division.