Striker grabs hat-trick as Rovers win away
Striker Josh Stevenson grabbed a hat-trick as Napier City Rovers opened their Chatham Cup football campaign with a 3-0 win against FC Western in New Plymouth today.
Stevenson (pictured above) scored his first goal in the 37th minute and another two in the second half as Cup holders Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers dominated the match.
As expected Rovers head coach Bill Robertson took the opportunity to give the youngsters in his squad plenty of minutes. Seventeen-year-old midfielder Isaac Milley took the field as a substitute forward for the Blues and had a memorable debut.
Milley is a member of the Rovers second team's squad.
"We had a 16-year-old, four 17-year-olds, an 18-year-old and two 19-year-olds take the field today. So there are definitely good signs for the future," Robertson said.
"Captain Jim Hoyle was solid with young players on either side of him. All of our senior players stood up and helped the young players in what was a good collective effort," Robertson said.
Stevenson and midfielder Luke Minshull both collected ankle injuries and Robertson said the pair could be doubtful for next Sunday's eighth round Central League fixture against Miramar Rangers in Napier. Attacking midfielder Cam Emerson also missed today's match with a hip injury.
Havelock North Wanderers also won their first-round fixture with a home 3-2 victory against Palmerston North Marist.
