- by Richard Horrocks at Cantley Park

On a bright dry but slightly breezy morning Rovers Youth team were bidding to maintain their challenge at the top of the league as they played host to Bradford City at Cantley Park.

The game started in a lively fashion with both teams trying to gain the initiative and a few strong challenges taking place resulting in Jason Hardy having to have treatment on the pitch after a bad tackle.

On 13 minutes Rovers got their noses in front when good work by FAIRHURST on the left allowed him to shoot past the keeper to put them 1-0 up.

The game then settled down with both teams playing some nice passing football and Bradford sending in a number of crosses into the Rovers goalmouth which all came to nothing. Just before half time Fairhurst had a great chance to increase Rovers lead but he shot straight at the keeper from close range.

As the second half started the breeze began to get a little stronger, Fairhurst was posing a few problems for the Bradford defence, on 50 minutes from a Rovers free kick he sent a back header which just looped over the bar, Bradford began to have more of the possession as the half continued but without any penetration towards the Rovers goal. Biggs in the Rovers goal had been a virtual spectator with Boyce and Grace in the Rovers defence in fine form.

On 59 minutes Bradford had the ball in the Rovers net but the referee had already blown his whistle for offside and the goal was cancelled out. Both teams had penalty appeals turned down in the space of 2 minutes, Bowland was brought down in the Bradford area then a minute later a strong shout by the Bradford players was also turned down when a cross into the Rovers area resulted in the ball being blocked by a hand.

On 67 minutes Biggs in the Rovers goal was called upon to keep their lead intact when he brilliantly fingertipped a powerful shot over the bar.

On 80 minutes good work by Henderson and Hardy resulted in the Bradford keeper having to dive at the players feet and injuring himself in the process.

Rovers were pressing strong for a second goal but had to be careful not to get punished on the break, in injury time Bradford had a great chance to equalize but shot inches wide of the right hand post.

The game ended with a narrow victory for Rovers by 1-0 to strengthen their grip at the top of the table.

ROVERS :-
1 Biggs 2 Hawksworth 3 Chris Fisher 4 Griffiths 5 Boyce 6 Grace 7 Stoddart
8 Hall 9 Fairhurst 10 Hardy 11 Bowland

Subs Used :- Henderson for Stoddart 69 mins - Shielis for Griffiths 78 mins
Charles Fisher for Bowland 83 mins
Unused Subs :- Martin - Fenney