Keeper Euan fits like a glove
In focus S Counties East
Roseacre Rovers under-12s braved the snow to get their game on at the weekend.
They lost 5- 0 to a Range Rovers Colts side who maintained their 100% record in Division 5 of the Maidstone Primary League.
But, led by man-of-the-match keeper Euan Emmens, the team gave their all in freezing conditions and could hold their heads high.
Emmens made numerous saves while defenders Johnny Knight, Sam King, Jack Goodwin and Jacob Leonard worked hard and Joel Stannard was a threat on the break.
Emmens recently joined the club and Roseacre are pleased to have him.
Manager Steve Gray said: “It was only Euan’s third game for us after signing at Christmas but he must have had the game of his life.
“He came off covered in mud and was our man-of-the-match.
“We knew it would be tough against a good passing team and we were under the cosh from the kick-off.
“We set up defensively and looked to play on the counterattack.
“We managed to hold out for 20 minutes and then one of their big players volleyed in a corner.
“It was 2- 0 at half-time and the second half was similar. They kept pushing and we tried to counter-attack and we did go close a few times.”
Roseacre have won promotion and a cup in Gray’s three years in charge. They’re secondbottom this season but it’s all about the bigger picture.
He said: “When you’re near the bottom, things don’t go your way. We haven’t had the luck but we’ve put in some great performances.
“My message to the players is they are improving as individuals and as a team. We work on passing and getting the ball down. They’re a committed bunch. Management is great fun. The main thing is seeing the players improve and develop.
“Roseacre are an all-inclusive family club where everyone has equal game time.” K Sports moved four points clear in Southern Counties East, Division 1. They continued their title push with a 3-1 home win over Bridon Ropes on Saturday. James Alderman’s 17th-minute opener was cancelled out by Richard Jimoh on 35 minutes. Liam Dawson (57) restored the lead and Alderman (82) clinched the points with his second goal. Dave Sherwood scored twice, including an 84th-minute penalty equaliser, as Snodland Town drew 2-2 at Meridian. Bearsted return to Premier Division action this weekend at home to Croydon. Snodland host Elmstead in Division 1 but K Sports don’t play.