Well it was hardly a classic game to christen New Croft, but it was three points nonetheless. With close to 400 people in attendance for kick off, it was always going to be tight and somewhat nervy. And as the game looked to be heading to a familiar draw from last season it was fitting that a late and spectacular strike from the hugely effective Ryan Kent broke the deadlock.
Rovers had looked the better side from the off - early chances came and were missed by Marc Abbott and Craig Cutts. Abbott in particular worked several good chances for himself and his qualities soon made him the victim of several rough challenges. If Abbott's form continures he could be quite an asset for Rovers this season.
Cutts was sent through several times but all too often failed to make goalkeeper Duncan McAnally work much. If Rovers are to prosper in this campaign with a lone striker spearheading their attack, then they really need that striker to be converting more chances. It didn't cost them this game, but if they continue to be wasteful they will be forced to rue those chances - all too often last season missed chances saw them lose when they should draw or draw when they should win, the total number of lost points pushing them down the table. Cutts, or Martin Westcott, or Shaun Banham when he returns for the Norwich game on August 21, must quick;ly gain confidence and finish well if Rovers are to take points instead of regret dropping them.
Elsewhere, both of Rovers' teenage additions have been impressive. Jack Higgs (pictured) looked effective from the start, seeing a good shot saved and winning several free kicks. He did fade out later in the game, but is learning and has the potential to improve and become quite an asset. Though not appearing in Saturday's win, Joe Boreham has also looked strong in his pre-season contributions. Greg Strong looks an able left back, holding firm in defence and setting up attacks.
Elsewhere on the pitch, Stuart Kingham won man of the match for his typicall effervescent performance, always sliding in with crucial tackles to guard the defence. Louis Harper looked creative while Stuart Wardley was mostly strong and composed.
Kent came close to making man of the match from his 30 minute appearance. He worked the full backs well after being introduced to the game, and gave Rovers an extra dimension. His goal was well taken from a difficult position - if the other players can build the confidence to shoot from similar angles or range more often then Rovers are likely to score more goals this season. All to often attacks break down due to a lack of pace or composure, indecision or poor finishing.
Another worry was some defensive complacency that could just have easily seen the scoreline reversed. Oliver Hughes was annoyed after his handled header was adjeudged not to have been worthy of a penalty, and Liam Cutts was forced into an acrobatic save shortly after the break after Marcus Hunt was robbed in possession. Cutts again was forced to fumble the ball out, though Walsham seldom pressured the hosts.
Though as the final whistle was blown, Rovers will have been relieved to have won a deserved three points. A win is a win regardless of the style, though Rovers must be more clincial and focused if they are to perform consistantly at their best this season.
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