Rovers footballers hard done by again
For the second consecutive week Napier City Rovers have been the victims of a harsh call in the Ultra Football Central League.
Captain and centre back James Hoyle was red carded by Hawke's Bay referee Martin Roil 34 minutes into today's 10th round 2-0 loss to Wellington Olympic at Napier's Bluewater Stadium. The previous week Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers were denied a victory against Stop Out by an incorrect hand ball call in Lower Hutt.
"I try and avoid commenting on officials calls because they are out of our control. But that's the second time in as many weeks we've had wrong calls go against us resulting in big implications," Rovers player-coach Bill Robertson said after today's clash.
Robertson agreed a couple of Olympic players were lucky to avoid red cards after late charges on Rovers defender Fergus Neil before Hoyle was marched.
"Up until Jimmy [Hoyle] was marched it was an even game. That was a big decision. Also it was me who fouled and not Jimmy and it was probably only a yellow if that,"Robertson explained.
He agreed his troops had numerous chances to score even when they were down to 10 men.
"Olympic's goals came from a couple of our mistakes rather than them opening us up.We have to be a bit more resilient out of possession. But our boys put in a big shift and I was proud of the effort," Robertson added.
Rovers finished with six shots on goal, five less than Olympic. However the hosts forced eight corners, five more than Olympic.
Robertson's troops were guilty of conceding far too many soft turnovers.
Olympic led 1-0 at halftime after forward Jack-Henry Sinclair scored after a counter attack from the visitors. Sinclair scored Olympic's second goal 21 minutes into the second half with a spectacular header after another counter attack.
Striker Gavin Hoy and Robertson were the best of the Rovers players. Sinclair and big defender Benjamin Matacok were prominent for Olympic.
Rovers missed the services of talented striker James Mack III with his hamstring injury but he hopes to be available for next weekend's away match against Western Suburbs.
