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Here endeth Villa’s interest in this season’s Shield, but
although an identical scoreline might suggest otherwise,
their exit was far from the ignominious caning received at
the hands of their quarter final opponents on their last
visit to Bruce Park. Far from it; the Villa lads gave a
spirited and skilful account of themselves, but it must be
said that the ruthless quality of the Rovers finishing meant
that, in the end, the visitors could only but hold their
collective hands up.
Danial Hogg and Dave Warburton joined Matt Plano in forcing
their way into the starting line-up after good showing with
the reserves and in training, and all three were heavily
involved in the better moves in a determined and energetic
first fifteen minutes, during which Villa grabbed the
initiative and had their opponents rocking. Then, on
eighteen minutes and against the run of play, from a Rovers
breakaway down their left, a series of quick interpasses
found Steve Creelman arriving with perfect timing to slam
the ball into the net without breaking stride.
The effect on the visitor’s demeanour was like the popping
of a balloon, whilst the sense of relief and confidence
gained by the home side was almost tangible, and whilst
Villa were still reeling from the sucker punch, they were
caught by a haymaker, the very impressive Danny Rowe firing
a low thunderbolt into the bottom corner with power and
accuracy.
Against the run of play or not, two very good goals in two
minutes left the visitors with a mountain to climb, and it
might have been worse, when a clever and deliberate lob from
the half way line bounced of the top of the Vila bar.
Nevertheless, the Euxton lads rolled their sleeves up and
set about trying to redress the damage. Knowing that in the
second half they would have the advantage of the near gale
force and rain laden wind that howled down the length of the
park offered encouragement, and if they could get to the
interval without further concession, then opportunities
would surely open up.
With renewed vigour, Villa were able to carve out a couple
of chances of their own. Warburton went close with a forty
yard drive after the referee waved a good ‘play on’ when
David Heald was fouled. And from a corner, Lee Chambers
emerged from a gaggle in the box to head narrowly wide at
the near post.
With the conditions now in their favour, Villa began the
second half with a positive attitude and once again carried
the game to their opponents. But if Villa were pulled up
short by two quality first half strikes, the same soubriquet
could not be applied to Wren’s third. Just ten minutes in
and with Villa again on the ascendancy, Rovers were awarded
a very soft free kick thirty yards out. The delivery was
straight and fairly routine, but Shaun Gibbs failed to
gather, and the rebound fell kindly for Nick Greenhall, who
couldn’t really miss.
To their credit, Villa refused to let their heads drop and
kept going, even when time was against them and it became
obvious that any success would be merely by way of
consolation. Mark Mc Donnell, who should be commended for
the courage shown with the original line up selection,
sacrificed part of the backbone in order to throw on more
attacking options. Heald, having as usual given everything
for the cause was running on empty. Hogg seemed to be able
to run for ever, and Adam McAlistair was doing enough
defending for three men. But it was not to be, and the Villa
faithful were once again forced to leave defeated, though
for once certainly not deflated. Rovers are quite simply
better than anyone else we have faced this season, and will
take some stopping, both in this competition where we wish
them well, and indeed in the league itself.
Villa : Shaun Gibbs, Adam McAlister, Darren Davies (Gavin
Cooper 65), Lee Chambers, Sam Bolton, Dave Warburton (Tom
Whittaker 77), Elliot Dunn, Matt Plano, (Rhenden Pillay
71), Matt Atherton, David Heald, Danial Hogg
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