After a cracking start to the league campaign, our second game of the new season finds us entertaining Perry Street from the Chelmsford League in the Essex County Cup first round. A beautiful sunny day greeted us at spring lane. The game got underway on time with both sides starting a little slowly, like a chess game, trying to out think there opponents. The first real chance of the game arrived after 6 minutes play.

Sam Hodder’s pace took him clear of the fullback, he got to the byline and sent a pinpoint cross to the back post where Henry had the easy task of guiding the ball into the net to put us 1-0 up.

Just the start that we needed. I know this is an old saying, but its amazing what a goal can do in a football game. The boys’ tails were up and the free flowing football was beginning to rip the opposition to bits.

Tom skips past two players, lifts his head and slides a lovely pass across the edge of the 18 yard box. Henry, arriving at pace, hits a left foot first time shot that nestles in the bottom corner for 2-0.

Although the boys were cruising along they very nearly got caught cold within a crazy 5 minute spell. A great save by Harry and a last ditch tackle by Henry prevented Perry Street getting back into a game that they were being totally outplayed in.

Cobwebs shaken off, and Rovers got straight back in the groove.

Bradley picks the ball up, beats 3 players and fires low past the despairing goal keeper, 3-0 and now back in the comfort zone.

Halftime whistle approaching and we even have time to have a goal disallowed from a very dubious offside decision from the opposing linesmen.

The second half begins with three changes, Tom, Cem and Tyler take a rest and Slacky, Freaky and Jason are on. Within 3 minutes the subs have a amediate impact.

A corner swung over by Matt and Slacky climbs the highest to nod home for 4-0.

The fifth was only minutes away. Great inter play by Tuckers and Henry and Hodders races clear of the defence to fire an emphatic finish past the helpless keeper 5-0.

Straight from the kick off, Jason robs the left midfielder and floats a lovely pass onto the toes off the hard working Bradley, he draws the keeper and coolly slots home for 6-0.

The goals were coming thick and fast, the seventh was a gem.

A six man move ends with Slacky’s cross field pass to find Bradley and the end result was the same as the previous goal, bang 7-0.

From then on it was like Custer’s last stand. Chance after chance went begging. To be fair, this could have finished like a cricket score. In harder fought games, we will need to convert chances to goals but you can’t knock the pleasing football to create those chances.

The eighth goal was similar to the previous two. Ball over the top from Henry, Hodders pace sees him through on goal and again the keeper is left helpless to the finish 8-0.

Harry is pushed up front, Henry takes a rest, Jack Knight comes on in midfield. Another four or five good chances go begging before the ref puts Perry Street out of there misery and blows for full time.

Great result and a very good performance, but you feel there is a lot more to come. This squad really could become very special if they keep there feet on the ground and keep playing football. Next week takes us to Harwich. Beware the yellow machine!