Wednesday, 1st January 2003

Rovers sink Highwood

Anton Gronvold and Louis Fodette scored as Melchester Rovers gained their
third successive Premiership win at the expense of Highwood Athletic.

John Merrick's injury-ravaged side were left cursing their finishing as they enjoyed the
better of the first half, but trailed to Gronvold's early header.

Rovers were never on top form, but once Fodette made it 2-0 with his 66th-minute
header, Ron Meevy’s side took control of the game.

Meevy made one change to the team which beat Kelburn at the weekend, with Ritchie
Lawrence replacing the injured Tommy Svensson, while Merrick had to make a host of
changes to his side.

The Athletic were aiming to end a run of three games without a win, but their hopes took
a knock early on as Rovers took the lead after six minutes. Fodette headed Steve
Wootten's cross back across the six-yard box and Gronvold was one hand to drill past
Nick Van Der Vorm.

Rovers, whose recent form at Mel Park has been patchy at best, began well, giving
Highwood few chances. But the visitors fashioned a decent chance on 12 minutes, when
Phil Doyle's curling effort forced Paul Marshall to tip over.

Highwood were thankful for Fodette's wasteful finishing shortly afterwards as the
Frenchman headed wide with the goal at his mercy. And Athletic should have equalised
on 23 minutes when Mo Clinton shot from six yards after being put through by Jon
Davis, but Marshall blocked his effort.

Merrick would have been happy with the way his side worked to come back into the
game, although chances for both sides were at a premium. Doyle had the best
opportunity on the stroke of half-time, but he was denied by Marshall.

The second half began in scrappy style, although Van Der Vorm saved well from Rocky
Race's shot after 49 minutes.

Van Der Vorm was in action again 10 minutes later, saving with his feet from a Gronvold
drive, but Rovers did not have to wait long to make another breakthrough.
The nerves of the home fans were settled as Fodette coolly slotted home Declan
McKaffree's cross on 66 minutes.

Highwood threw everything forward in the closing stages as they tried to come back, but
the second goal settled Rovers, and they defended their lead comfortably.

Melchester Rovers: Marshall, Wootten, Gates, Jackson, Lawrence, McKaffree, Gronvold

(Pound 73), Sayers, Young, Fodette, Race.
Subs Not Used: Cooper, Jones, Preston, Templeton.
Booked: Race.

Highwood Athletic: Van Der Vorm, Kenworthy, Edwards (Hook 63), Coughlan,
Streetman (Holt 70), Doyle, Sinclair, Cissokho, Davis, Clinton, Serioux.
Subs Not Used: Buckley, Stanley, Michaels.
Booked: Sinclair, Streetman.

Attendance: 25,034.

Referee: P Daniels (Bucks).

Saturday, 4th January 2003

Rovers break Stockbridge hearts

Melchester Rovers progressed into the fourth round of the FA Cup at the
expense of an unlucky Stockbridge Town.

Stockbridge had looked the more enterprising side in the first 45 minutes but were
behind at half-time courtesy of Rocky Race's penalty against the run of play.

Rovers boss Ron Meevy, who turns 70 on Monday, was handed an early birthday present
when referee Alan Dixon decided Matthew Sparrow had tripped Anton Gronvold.
Stockbridge battled on but Rovers wrestled control as the match wore on and Gronvold
secured victory with a well-taken goal in the 68th minute.

Rovers welcomed back Italian Dino Marcello after two months out with a knee injury and
the defender got a thorough workout.

From the first minute, Stockbridge hustled their opponents with Bradley Lee's intelligent
play showing just why he is their top scorer this season.

Strike partner Paul Seaton was also causing problems for an uncharacteristically hesitant
Steve Wootten, with David Gates looking like the only solid member of the Rovers back
four.

Stockbridge enjoyed the lion's share of the possession in the first half with nine corners
to Rovers' none. Rovers had few chances but the first fell to Rocky Race, who should
have done better when heading Louis Fodette's cross wide from six yards.

Race however made no mistake from the spot, coolly slotting home when Gronvold fell
over Ty Matthews' foot in the penalty area.

It was scant reward for Stockbridge's domination and although they continued to press
forward, the momentum of the match had swung Rovers' way.

Rovers finally won their first corner of the match four minutes after half-time and then
began to press hard. Race fired over when through on goal and then headed over at the
far post before Gronvold beat Stockbridge keeper Tom Evans when put through by
Fodette's pass.

Still Stockbridge carried on fighting and Paul Robinson did well to tip over from Seaton
while Town also had a penalty appeal turned down late on.

With a two-goal cushion, Meevy gave teenage prodigy Jack Pound, celebrating his 17th
birthday, a run-out and Castlemere and Barnley target Dion Templeton also saw a bit of
the action.

Urged on by the first ever sell-out crowd at Town Park, Stockbridge fought to the final
whistle, but Rovers held firm.

Stockbridge Town: Heron, Bird, De Wolf, Hollander, James, Clifford, Karlsen,

Richardson (Liana 64), Matthews (Murphy 70), Lee, Seaton (Major 86).
Subs not used: Saric, Oakes.

Melchester Rovers: Marshall, Marcello, Jackson, Gates, Wootten, McKaffree, Sayers,

Gronvold (Pound 78), Young (Preston 86), Fodette, Race (Templeton 84).
Subs not used: Cooper, Lawrence.

Attendance: 8,329

Referee: A Dixon
Thursday, 9th January 2003

Eastgate seal Durham deal

Keith Durham has joined Eastgate on
loan after completing a medical with
the First Division side on Thursday.

The 30-year-old will be on loan until the

end of the season when Eastgate will have
an option to make the deal permanent
having already agreed a fee with Rovers.

It is believed Durham is willing to take a

huge pay cut to escape Mel Park.

Durham joined Rovers in July 1997 and

was installed as club captain, but  has
found himself out of favour with boss Ron
Meevy after branding the club's league
position "a disgrace" and continued issues
with fitness.

Durham last played against Lacona in November and is expected to go straight into the
Eastgate side for Sunday's game against Walford.

Eastgate manager Rob Richards is looking forward to having Durham available.

"He's a player I have always liked and his style will allow him to quickly fit into our
midfield," said Richards, "I would like to have him in the side for our match on Sunday."

Friday, 10th January 2003

Evans signs for Blues

Paul Evans has completed his move
from Melchester Rovers to Everpool.

Evans has signed a six-month deal on

Merseaside and is in line to make his Blues'
debut against Tynecaster United on
Saturday.

Everpool paid Rovers just £400,000 for the

26-year-old's services.

The versatile midfielder’s £9m proposed

summer move to the club broke down
because of his wage demands. But this time
he agreed personal terms with the Blues
and passed a medical on Tuesday.

"It is the team I support and that is why I

have come here," Evans told the club's
official website. I said when I was to leave Rovers it was going to take something special
- and there is nothing more special than to come to the team you have supported as a
kid.

"I can't be any happier than I am at the moment. I am back with family and friends to
play with the club I supported as a kid and I am going to try and help us avoid qualify
for the Champions League.

"I think it is a good challenge and I will be fighting to win a starting place in what is a
very strong team. But I come with a new passion for the game - I am following my
heart."

Evans’ move comes on the same day he was handed another two-week fine for his
continued open criticism of Rovers boss Ron Meevy.

The midfielder refused to sign a new contract at Mel Park after being frozen out for
speaking up in support of exiled team-mate Keith Durham.

Everpool's offer of a contract is thought to include a £1m bonus payment if he helps the
club he supported as a boy to qualify for the lucrative Champions League.

Rovers were keen to offload Evans for any fee rather than lose him for nothing at the
end of the season.

Everpool legend and general manager Bobby Booth who helped broker the deal, believes
it is a good move for player and club. The former England international striker told
Orbital Sports News: "Paul has had a pretty torrid couple of years and his form has
dipped this year. Playing-wise he should be at the very top because he's got confidence
in his ability. He should be enjoying the fruits of his talents - but he's got to concentrate
100% on and off the pitch.

"Passion is big part of his game - but he must realise it's got to be channelled in the
right way because dressing room clashes are never good for team spirit and don’t help to
build a winning mentality."

"Paul obviously had regrets leaving Rovers. He had some particularly happy times there
and wants to thank the Rovers fans. He has told me how much is looking forward to
training tomorrow - and a new chapter in his life.
Saturday, 11th January 2003

Barnley see off Rovers

Nick Skovdahl and Nicky Reardon scored as Barnley brushed aside the
disappointment of their FA Cup exit with a deserved win over Melchester
Rovers.

Rocky Race did manage to give the visitors a consolation goal in injury time but it would
have been tough on Barnley had they not won the game. Jack Cunningham's team fully
deserved three points against a Rovers team that lacked the fizz and determination that
brought about their recent upturn in form.

The Yorkshire club have been strongly linked with a move for Dion Templeton and,
intriguingly, the experienced Rovers striker was left on the bench for the match. And
when he was introduced with 20 minutes left the Barnley fans cheered and chanted his
name in anticipation of his possible arrival.

Rovers started the match well and after an early scare from Paul Norton, would have
opened the scoring but for a brilliant save from Pierre Bourgoin. The French goalkeeper
managed to change direction mid-dive to swat Race's shot away from goal, after the ball
took a massive deflection off a Barnley defender.

Ryan Young should have scored with the rebound but guided his header straight into
Bourgoin's arms.

Inspired by Bourgoin's brilliance, Barnley soon took the lead. Skovdahl, making his first
start in four games, latched onto Eddie Phillips's slide-rule pass and placed the ball past
Marshall with his first touch.

Alun Gwynn almost doubled his team's lead shortly before the break but, after making a
late surge into the penalty area, he headed narrowly wide. Gwynn missed his second
chance by inches, with a second-half shot from the edge of the area, before Reardon
scored. Norton drilled a 40-yard cross from the right which Reardon met superbly and
volleyed past Marshall.

Rovers tried to mount a comeback, with Meevy introducing young Jack Pound and
Templeton. But Barnley continued to create chances and Keith Brownlee forced a
sensational fingertip save from Marshall with an 18-yard drive.
David Gates found Race in injury time and the England forward drilled the ball home
from 18 yards, but it came too late to save Rovers.

Barnley: Bourgoin, O’Leary, Fletcher, Noire, Simons, Phillips (Brownlee 84), Reardon,
Chadwick, Gwynn, Skovdahl (Roche 80), Norton.
Subs Not Used: Richards, Pooley, Smith.

Melchester Roves: Marshall, Marcello, Jackson, Gates, Wootten, McKaffree (Pound 60),
Gronvold (Templeton 72), Sayers, Young, Fodette (Preston 72), Race.
Subs Not Used: Cooper, Svensson.
Booked: Marcello, Jackson, Preston.

Attendance: 34,884

Referee: R Chickson (Hampshire).

Saturday, 18th January 2003

Westhampton frustrate Rovers

Westhampton City keeper Ronnie Hughes enhanced his claims for an England
call-up by shutting out Melchester Rovers at Mel Park.

A magnificent save to deny striker Rocky Race was the pick of several vital stops he
made to earn Westhampton a valuable point.

At the other end, the visitors had a strong claim for a penalty denied when Andy
Kerrigan appeared to handle the ball. And Johnny Andrews was sent off in the aftermath
after receiving a second yellow card for dissent. It was a lucky escape for Kerrigan, who
was making his first appearance of another injury ravaged season.

Per Enqvist came on as a late substitute but the fit again Dane could not conjure up a
chance for winner for the home team.
Rovers manager Ron Meevy knew Westhampton would be a tough team to break down
and so it proved from the start.

Louis Fodette combined with Race after eight minutes only to be denied by keeper
Hughes. Then Race looped the ball over a City defender before unleashing what seemed
to be a goalbound left-foot volley. But Hughes' acrobatics and quick reactions helped him
turn the ball away from goal much to the disbelief of the Mel Park faithful.

Going forward, Iain Bayliss' cross with his first telling touch almost helped the visitors
into the lead only for the outstretched leg of Shaun Robinson

Rovers could have been caught out on the counter with 20 minutes to go, but
Westhampton's penalty appeal was turned down.

Enqvist then came on to a standing ovation after two months out with an ankle injury.
But the Swedish attacking midfielder failed to have the desired effect for Meevy’s
toothless side.

Melchester Rovers: Marshall, Marcello, Kerrigan, Svensson, Wootten, McKaffree,

Gronvold (Preston 70), Sayers (Enqvist 72), Young (Pound 69), Fodette, Race.
Subs Not Used: Cooper, Jackson.
Booked: Race.

Westhampton City: Hughes, Michaels, Swift, Gregory, Taylor (Bayliss 35), McIntyre,
Green (Danielsson 77), Andrews, Clement, Dane, Robinson (Warne 63).
Subs Not Used: Smith, Ipara.
Sent Off: Andrews (74).
Booked: Andrews.

Attendance: 24,708

Referee: R Halls (S Yorkshire).

Saturday, 25th January 2003

Rovers held at Westbury

Battling Westbury Town piled on the agony for Melchester Rovers boss Ron
Meevy as Mamadou Cisse's late strike forced a fourth-round replay.

Rovers had looked to be on their way to a straightforward victory following Rocky Race's
superb free-kick on 49 minutes. But a rush of blood from the Rovers forward 10 minutes
from time handed the home side a chance of a late fightback.

Race was sent off for a deliberate elbow on Westbury player boss Andreas
Gruneschluchter and the home side were level within two minutes through Sidibe.

Westbury, who reached round five last season before losing to Carford City, had started
confidently against a side with a wobbly recent record in the FA Cup.

Since winning the Cup in 1999, Rovers had only moved beyond round three once and
have been knocked out by lower league opposition in the League Cup already this
season. And Gruneschluchter was clearly confident of adding providing another shock.

The manager himself sent in an early shot that deflected wide off one of his own players,
while Pete Jones drilled a long-range effort inches over.

Rovers' only threat came from lame penalty appeals after Anton Gronvold had tumbled
under an innocuous challenge from Bryan Cole.

Westbury, on the other hand, looked fresh following a break in Spain and the beach
training was probably paying off on a heavily sanded Town pitch.

The home side were confidently hustling and harrying their Premiership rivals and should
have made their first-half possession count with a goal on the stroke of half-time.
Gruneschluchter 's injury-time corner was flicked into the path of Gbenga Aruna, but the
big striker could only drill his volley against a post with Dino Marcello protecting his goal-
line.
Reprieved, Rovers kicked off the second half with fresh hope and were quickly rewarded
for upping the tempo of the game. Perry Renshaw was adjudged to have fouled Race five
yards outside the box and the England striker exacted his own punishment, curling a
delightful free-kick over the wall and out of the reach of Town keeper Wes Tanner.

Declan McKaffree should have put the tie well out of the home side's reach when he
outpaced Cole to reach a bouncing ball, only to sky his shot high over Tanner's crossbar.

McKaffree lived to regret that miss when Cisse superbly volleyed home two minutes from
time, swivelling to crack a left-foot shot beyond Paul Marshall from Renshaw's cross.

Westbury Town: Tanner, North, Rimmer, Coleman, Joy, Gruneschluchter, Jones,

Saunders, Renshaw, Aruna (Hedges 72), Cisse.
Subs not used: Simpson, Leonard, Flower, Commetteri.

Melchester Rovers: Marshall, Marcello, Svensson, Kerrigan, Wootten, Gronvold,

Sayers, Preston, McKaffree, Fodette, Race.
Subs not used: Cooper, Lawrence, Jones, Pound, Templeton.
Sent off: Race (81).
Booked: Marcello.

Attendance: 11,093

Referee: B Neil (Durham).

Tuesday, 28th January 2003

Rovers gift Kelburn late win

A late own goal from Dino Marcello gave Kelburn victory over a spirited
Melchester Rovers to maintain their hopes of winning a Champions League
place.

Rovers twice led - through goals from Decland McKaffree and Steve Wootten - but Bobby
Van Sturen and Freddie Lightbourne ensured Kelburn restored parity each time before
Marcello's own goal.

The way Marcello haplessly guided Ligthbourne's tame shot into his own goal was a cruel
end to Rovers' evening but on the balance of play three points was no more than
Kelburn deserved.

The Londoners dominated large chunks of the match and created the majority of
chances, with Rovers goalkeeper Paul Marshall making a string of fine saves.

Rovers played with great commitment but the difference in quality was superbly
illustrated by Van Sturen's spectacular overhead volley.

Kelburn settled quickly and had an excellent opportunity to open the scoring after just
three minutes. Lightbourne could not control Walter Fielles' drilled cross and failed to hit
the target from four yards.

A goal-bound volley from Giancarlo Zanetti was superbly blocked by Anton Gronvold.
The rebound fell to Van Sturen but his strike was athletically saved by Marshall.

Kelburn's failure to convert chances into goals was punished when Rovers scored against
the run of play. Louis Fodette brilliantly flicked Marshall's punt up field into the path of
McKaffree, who took the ball away from Terry Johnson with his chest before volleying
home from short range.

Kelburn almost immediately responded but after Marshall had denied both Lightbourne
and Zanetti, Jamie Austin contrived to miss the target from 10 yards.
Kelburn's failure to score translated itself into frustration as half-time approached and
both Chester Burns and Van Sturen were booked for needless incidents. And right on
half-time, Marshall could only parry a fearsome Fielles drive that rebounded to safety.

Burns skipped past Wootten and Marcello after 51 minutes but his chip drifted over the
crossbar.

Kelburn's pressure was eventually rewarded with a spectacular equaliser. Lightbourne

made a determined run down the right channel and Van Sturen smashed home the
midfielder's cross with an overhead volley of exceptional brilliance.

Fodette then forced a brilliant save from Cristo Carluccio after an excellent turn and from
the subsequent corner Rovers scored again. Dion Templeton's scuffed shot took the ball
across the face of ball and Wootten slotted home from short range.

Kelburn again pushed forward and equalised for a second time when Slaven Maric's cross
was slotted home by Lightbourne after a Rovers defender had directed the ball into his
path. And the winner came when Lightbourne's shot - which appeared to be going wide -
was poked home by a confused Marcello, who slumped to the turf after the realisation of
his actions had finally sunk in.

Kelburn: Carluccio, Argenteria (Burns 35), Debille, Johnson, Fielles, De Cochon, Austin,
Lightbourne, Van Sturen, Eirdursson, Zanetti (Maric 67).
Subs Not Used: Van Slijk, Balthasar, Grand.
Booked: Burns, Van Sturen.

Melchester Rovers: Marshall, Marcello, Jackson, Svensson, Wootten, Gronvold, Sayers,

Preston (Enqvist 68), McKaffree, Fodette (Pound 80), Templeton.
Subs Not Used: Cooper, Lawrence, Kerrigan.
Booked: Gronvold.

Attendance: 39,738

Referee: J Summers (Tyneside).

Summary

NEXT MONTH – More Melchester drama on and off the field!