Same old, same old

Watching Haverhill Rovers draw against Histon Reserves last Saturday (March 12) was almost like being back at Hamlet Croft last season. It was not so much that they dropped two points against the Glassworld Stadium outfit - who, let's not forget, fielded several first XI players as their Blue Square Premier League side took a weekend rest from their own relegation battle - but more in the manner of which Rovers contrived to get one point when three should have been guaranteed long before the 90 minute mark. Just like last season, chances were not finished, defending was sometimes sloppy, and it all culminated in gifting the basement club a stoppage time equaliser to take a point back from the New Croft.

Too many times at Hamlet Croft I endured watching Rovers surrender 1-0 wins into 1-1 draws, or fail to turn a 0-0 draw into a win and even make it a 1-0 defeat, but this season's arrivals seemed to have put an end to those ways, starting with Dalton O'Brien's emphatic debut in Rovers' 4-0 win over UCL Premier Division side Northampton Spencer in the FA Vase. However, recent performances - the freak 5-3 win over Histon Reserves in the quarter finals of the Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup not withstanding - Rovers have struggled to find the back of the net, particularly from open play.

Owen Paynter's arrival looked set to boost the squad and remedy that problem, but in truth they have looked at a loss as to how best to utilise the hitman with Dalton O'Brien. Manager Peter Betts adopts a universal 4-5-1 approach to every game, which leaves Paynter isolated and often inefective and O'Brien stuck on the wing and leaving space when getting into his best positions centrally. They may control the midfield in many games, but they are left somewhat toothless in the final third as there is not enough support in the goalscoring areas. Their lack of goalscoring prowess was underlined further in Tuesday's (March 15) 0-0 draw at Felixstowe and Walton United. Marc Abbott may be a strong creative force in midfield, but they still need an injection of pace into the side.

Rovers seem to have struggled in two particular types of fixtures in this Ridgeons Premier League campaign - against the top of the table opponents, but more worryingly, against bottom of the table opponents. The first is understandable - Betts admits they will never have the financial clout to challenge league leaders Leiston, and Rovers have already been doubled by second placed Dereham Town, and they cannot be expected to beat the very best teams in this division at the moment. That said, they have competed well in these games, losing to unfortunate late goals to Leiston and Dereham at New Croft and at Leiston after extra-time in the FA Vase, and have also beaten Mildenhall and have yet to play Wroxham - that double header is due on March 26 (away) and April 2 (home). First they face their third game against Leiston, who they travel to on Saturday (March 19).

However, the more worrying trend is Rovers' inability to beat the bottom sides - in five games against bottom three opposition, Rovers have picked up a meagre five points. They may have doubled the likes of Wisbech Town and CRC, but they have failed to beat rock bottom Histon Reserves and contrived to lose at home to Debenham LC. This is where Betts' insistence on always playing 4-5-1 comes into question. It is an understandable tactic to deploy against the top sides - even if it seems to be reaping little reward - but why against the minnows? Rovers are now in a privileged position of being underdogs no more, and are rightly expected to beat bottom half of the table sides. What do these sides think when they arrive at New Croft to see just one striker in the starting XI? They probably see a lack of ambition, and are optimistic of being able to contain the threat and even cause an upset by nicking something on the counter.

The obvious solution that most spectators would like to see more often is 4-4-2 employed, especially against the lower sides, with O'Brien and Paynter looking to forge a partnership up front. When I put this to Betts, he stated that they had tried that formation without success in earlier games - such as at Histon - whereas 4-5-1 had proved effective in the majority of their games. It seems a very defensive approach to take, but it is understandable why he has faith in the system that has propelled them from a basement club to title challengers within the space of two season. However, perhaps the final step to fulfil Betts' ambition of becoming a Ryman club instead of a Ridgeons club may be to release the shackles in some of the games and aim to blow the opposition away before aiming not to concede against them.

Of course, Rovers problems have only been made worse by their current injury woes - Joe Boreham is still out, Stuart Kingham will be out for two-three weeks after he was knocked out against Histon, and wing wizard Neil Cogger is expected to finally return for the trip to Wroxham. Marcus Hunt is due back for the daunting trip to Leiston, as is Greg Strong, while Sam Holmes may also return for that game. It is the worst time of the season for the injury list to pile up, but Betts' fine work is building a strong squad have helped to see them through it, though with an indifferent start to March his fears that this month may prove the undoing of their season may still be realised. Dan Pilcher has returned and put in a good shift against Histon, Ant Fernandez is improving with each game and Jamie Challis has also been putting in numerous man-of-the-match performances lately. However, Joe Harvey is still to break into the first XI, and Liam Paton has been released after an uneventful stay at New Croft.

There is still much to look forward to though - not least the upcoming cup final against Mildenhall at Abbey Stadium in little over three weeks (April 12) - and reason to be optimistic instead of pessimistic. Upcoming trips to in-form Mildenhall - unbeaten in 12 league and cup games, and only on Pancake Day (March 8) ending an eight game winning sequence with a 0-0 draw at Norwich United - and Wroxham may make or break Rovers' season, but if they can show the resilience that sent them on long unbeaten runs earlier in the season then it may make their season, compounding their place in the top four rather than condemning them to sixth or below (which would still mark a vast improvement from pre-season expectations, a testament to the rapid progress they have made under Betts).

Rovers still have 11 games to play, and a favourable end of season run in that will hopefully still see them in the mix after this difficult month. Saturday will provide a tough test, and one that, in likelihood, will put Rovers on a three game winless run. However, they have showed resolve throughout this season after poor results and will hopefully continue to do that to bounce back and finish the month strong. If they can have a successful end to the season, and if Betts can maintain and build on this squad over the summer, then there may be even more successful times to celebrate next season.

My full interview with Betts was published in this week's Haverhill Echo, out today (Thursday, March 17).

Will Dan return to Rovers?

Emmanuel means 'God is with is' - it seems ironic considering Haverhill Rovers' latest revelation is no longer with them. The tricky winger has been in great form since arriving from AFC Sudbury - his tricks and skills down the channels saw him ease past fullbacks and centre halves, and it was a rather damning indictment of the team that within his first two games he was already joint top scorer.

It had looked like a great signing by manager Peter Betts - he was struggling to make the grade for the Ryman Division One North side and came to Rovers quietly confident of making the starting XI regularly. Haverhill already had a solid defensive foundation, but lacked that little bit of midfield creativity needed to break down opponents and seal the extra points. Emmanuel, coupled with the fresh form of Marc Abbott and clinical Dalton O'Brien, seemed to provide that.

How he was missed at New Croft on Saturday. Marc Abbott was serving the last of his three game ban, and Rovers really were lacking in midfield creativity. Debenham LC, who were bottom of the Ridgeons Premier League and no doubt low on confidence, came to face a Rovers side who were unbeaten in 11 games and had already eased past them 3-0 in the FA Vase earlier in the campaign. But this was a different game entirely.

Right from the off Rovers seemed to lack innovation and urgency. It was a rather dull first half, and though it was fairly equal you could not begrudge Debenham their lead at the break. Rovers came out strong immediately after the break in search of an equaliser, but after the initial pressure had been soaked up it looked unlikely. Time and again they were hit on the counter as Debenham found themselves unlucky not to be further ahead. Rovers were slow to get back when they were hit on the counter - at one stage O'Brien was showing the most urgency as Debenham kept failing to finish their chances.

The break through finally came when captain Marcus Hunt managed to tap in Louis Harper's free kick, but Rovers failed to defend that for a point. Even O'Brien looked indecisive as he fumbled his way around the six yard line instead of turning to shoot, and when Matt Clarke was felled players were too busy screaming for a penalty instead of rushing back to defend the killer blow as James Heathcote scored to snatch the points late on.

The combined absence of Marc Abbott and Emmanuel was noticable, and even more frustrating in the knowledge that the latter was scoring to win a man of the match performance in Sudbury as they thrashed Hendon 5-1 to advance in the FA Trophy. Betts spoke of how he did not want to hold the player back and that Rovers are keen to provide opportunities, especially for young players, to further their careers at the highest level.

But is this really right? Or is Emmanuel disrespecting the club? He did drop down a division but to a mid table side, and now he has his confidence back and has found a good run of form, has returned back to where he came from now he feels he can make the starting XI. Betts inserted him into Rovers' side and he has become an important part of their recent good form, but by going back to Sudbury so quickly it does seem rather disrespectful. The viewpoint certainly leaves Betts in the dilemma of wanting to see one of his players success (and therefore remain and Sudbury) and wanting him to struggle (and therefore possibly return to Rovers).

The official line is that he has gone to Sudbury for a one month loan, but it is unknown if he will return. And if his current form continues and he is consistently getting picked for Sudbury, why would he? He seems to have used Rovers as a short step to success at a higher level, with success at New Croft a springboard to get back into the Sudbury side.

Betts has said the 'door will remain open' for him - but will he walk through it? Emmanuel was a great player and really made an attacking difference for Rovers - his game seemed above that of his opponents and an extra goal threat at a side that struggles for creativity in the absence of a few is always an asset. Hopefully it is just a one month loan and he will return to New Croft, but Rovers certainly need to acquire more attacking talent.

Betts has spoken about trying to sign a new attacking midfield player - an asset much needed to deputise in Marc Abbott's evidence on Saturday's evidence. Paul Abbott will return before Saturday, as will Greg Strong, and attacking options from full back will be appreciated. I blogged about how Rovers seem to struggle when they are the favourites instead of the underdogs - a view reinforced on Saturday - though hopefully they will thrive in the underdog role again in their next two fixtures.

Games against league leaders Dereham Town and CRC do not offer the ideal opportunity to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to the basement club, but Rovers should still be quietly confident going into these games. They will be tested, and they will have to be more creative up front and remain compact at the back, but they have triumphed against top sides before - they were unfortunate to come unstuck at Leiston in the FA Vase and last season should have snatched a win against table toppers Needham Market. These two fixtures may present just the opportunity for Betts to inspire the team to achieve their potential again.

Early struggles as seasons start

As the rugby team continued to sturggle to adapt to life in Eastern Counties Division One, the hockey team also got their season started last Saturday. They also found themselves in a different division, but not through successes of the previous season - indeed they were fortunate to be in the same league after their shortcomings in the last campaign. A divisional reshuffle saw them moved to Division 2NE in a move that pleased optimistic captain Tina Bunch.

Speaking before Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Norwich City, Bunch was optimistic about her side's chances in the current camapign. She believed that this season would be one to build and forget about last season's failure when a string of successive defeats coupled with a late surge from relegation rivals Bourne II after Spalding folded saw Haverhill avoid defeat on the final day of the season with an away win - their first of the season - at Lincoln Roses, courtesy of a last gasp goal from Bunch. However, with a new season, new division and new teams to play, Bunch was confident that a mid table finish, rather than a relegation battle, was a realistic target for the ladies.

And yet, after their first game had finished on Saturday, they had started the season with a defeat - hopefully not starting as they mean to go on. But is it such a bad result? Bunch had said they had upped their game in pre season by playing in games against higher division sides, even though these were heavy defeats. Norwich City are newcomers to the division themselves after falling through the trapdoor the season before, and so will be among the promotion favourites - not the teams Haverhill must aim to take points from.

Home form will be crucial for the ladies this season, as will the beginning of the campaign with so many home fixtures - indeed Bunch said she aims to have 'lots of points on the board by Christmas', which will be a more realistic time to assess if they will be fighting at the foot or the middle of the table. They next host Yarmouth on Saturday with Bunch aiming to 'start afresh', and the ladies need to start picking up points if they are to have an enjoyable season.

One local team that is certainly struggling to adapt to life in a different division is the rugby club. Following their promotion to Eastern Counties Division One with a second placed finish last season, they have kicked off the new campaign with two comprehensive defeats. First they lost 74-0 on their opening day trip to Southwold - cue expectancy and optimism ahead of their first home game - before they then lost that as well, this time 60-3 to Cantabrigians.

In fairness to coach Andy Price, he has kept the club grounded with realistic ambitions and expectations. He has told me he aims to 'consolidate our position' in the division, not challenge for promotion - a feat looking increasingly improbable. The club have been hit with different problems that cannot be accounted for, such as player abcenses due to weddings, retirements from the game or unavailability which, at an amatuer sporting level, is understandable.

Another problem has been getting the team to train together in order to form a settled side that can confidently go into matches assured of each other talents and shortcomings. The club next travel to West Norfolk on Saturday and will need to start picking up points soon or risk becoming the whipping boys of the division. Price said the jump in quality between the divisions is significant, whcih is clear, but Harwich and Dovercourt - who narrolwy beat Haverhill to last season's title - have not had as many problems, with one win and a narrow defeat, and so Haverhill must improve fast.

Fortunately one sports club without too much room for improvement is Haverhill Rovers, who find themselves on a very good run of form. They advanced in the FA Vase after a comfortable victory over Debenham LC despite having Sam Holmes harshly sent off. Manager Peter Betts even said he was 'disappinted' with Debenham's performance as they failed to break down a resolute Rovers who were clinical from their set pieces - their three goals came from a Marc Abbott free kick, a Jack Higgs corner and a cooly taken Stuart Wardley penalty. Their next Vase game is against Leiston on October 2, who will no doubt provide a sterner test of their credentials, but as Betts said, when 'nothing is expected' of the team, they have 'nothing to lose'.

Before that they face a trip to Histon Reserves tonight, and after the first XI lost 2-0 at Rushden and Diamonds yesterday, Betts' men should be facing the weaker XI that he hopes for. Last season Rovers won 1-0 at the Glass World Stadium before a thumping 4-0 win at Hamlet Croft. Another trickey tie at the weekend sees them host league leaders Kirkley and Pakefield, though with Rovers in the form they are in now there is now reason why they should not be aiming for victory.

Another pleasing sign with Rovers is how well all of the new players are doing - Dalton O'Brien in particualr is continuing on from his fine start, albeit in not quite as spectacular a fashion. The striker looks able in the lone role and always forces the opposition goalkeeper to work. Jack Higgs is fast becoming a first XI regular and pacy winger, while Greg Strong compliments him well at left back and has made the divisional step up with ease. Joe Boreham looks good in his substitute appearances and perhaps deserving a first XI role. Even Craig Cutts is looking good as a back up striker and capable of filling the shoes of the departed Shaun Banham.

Betts himself is pleasantly surprised with how quickly and efficiently all the new faces are fitting into the team. He said: "It’s pleasing because I thought it would take time for them to gel at the start but looking back to be in the top ten in the first month having only lost one league game, I couldn’t have asked for more. I think the squad could do with a little more depth as we’re fine defensively and will score goals too."

He also singled out Marc Abbott for praise - the attacking midfielder did not seem effective in the latter stages of last season but has already started this season strongly, chipping in with valuable goals and assists from the middle of the park. He is due to become a father soon, and hopefully this will not lead to a dip in form. I said after Rovers dumped Northampton Spencer out of the Vase with a 4-0 win that this level of performance must become the norm rather than the exception if they are to realise their ambitious hopes for a club of this size - so far this has continued, and hopefully it will for the season. Now we just need the hockey and rugby teams to discover a bit of form of their own.

Nobody should be bowled over by team's promotion

It's been a good weekend for Haverhill's cricket and football teams. Save for their disasterous defeat against Hadleigh in their sixth game of the season - getting bowled out for 117 as the visitors eased to 123-1 mid May - they have been a strong and consistant side all season. Last Saturday's victory at Elsmstead Grasshoppers was their 11th successive win, and confirmed the side's promotion with two games remaining.

No doubt captain Adam Dellar will be still aiming to finish the division as champions though, and with just two games remaining it looks set to go down to the last day. Ipswich have been pushing hard, but Haverhill have showed their superiority by beating their title rivals convincingly both home and away this season. The team have proved they are the best in their division and lead the table comfortably, a testament to the season they have had.

Dellar has often spoken about the importance of a settled side, something Haverhill have largely enjoyed this season. They have not emplyed superstar names like some of their rivals - Chris Silverwood has boosted the team's chances but has not played a part in every game and they have certainly not struggled in his absence. The team has been relaxed, and able to play the game that suits them, winning 14 of their 15 games played (with five cancellations) and enjoying a perfect record when bowling first.

The team was comfortably defeated when they played the Lashings World XI, but against opposition of this quality it was nothing to be ashamed of. Their focus has been on winning the league - something they were unfortunate to let slip last season - and they have certainly achieved that.

The second XI also enjoyed their weekend as they closed in on the promotion places. Bury St Edmunds III saw their lead diminish as league leaders Brightlingsea II. The visitors, who now look almost certain to win the title, managed 161-9 as the hosts managed only 103 in reply. Haverhill II now have three games to close the slender gap between themselves in third and Bury above them to climb the ladder to division five.

Rovers' fortunes were mixed as they took a point from Norwich United. While a point was a good result against a team that had won three of their opening four games, only losing a home fixture to pre-season favourites Leiston, it can never be truly accepted as an achievement when the team let slip a lead to draw, as a point gained becomes two lost. Usually Rovers suffer because they are not clinical enough in scoring, to see them drop points due to their defence is different.

Tomorrow they host Ely City, who themselves have enjoyed four wins from their opening five games, losing only at Wisbech. Betts said to me before these two fixtures that his primary aim was to make Rovers 'difficult to beat' and 'hard to play against', and that the aim would be three points from the two games. A result against fifth placed Ely at New Croft is certainly achieveable and would get some much need points for Rovers to get their season back on track and compete at the upper end of the table as they push for a top ten finish.

As the football season continues and the cricket season draws to a close, it's worth remembering that the rugby and hockey seasons get underway next month. Haverhill Rugby Club will have to get used to life in Eastern Counties Division One quickly as Gavin Hope captains the side on their trip to Southwald for their opening game on September 11. Tina Bunch will lead the hockey club in their opening game against Norwich City. The side avoided relegation in their final game last season, and league changes sees them now competing in the EML Division Two North East, and will no doubt be hoping for a more successful campaign this time around.