Godmanchester Rovers Off To Losing Start

Ridgeons League Division One Debenham LC 3 Godmanchester Rovers 0 ROVERS kicked off the new campaign with a disappointing defeat at the hands of Debenham — in a game that had the hallmarks of last season s problems. Joint-manager David Hurst felt his side

Ridgeons League Division One

Debenham LC 3 Godmanchester Rovers 0

ROVERS kicked off the new campaign with a disappointing defeat at the hands of Debenham - in a game that had the hallmarks of last season's problems.

Joint-manager David Hurst felt his side had done enough to share the points, but said: "We need to be far less hesitant in defence and more ruthless in front of goal if we are to become a force this season."

For the first 30 minutes Goddy bossed the game and missed out on three or four chances - the best of which fell to Nick Finney, who fired wide from six yards.

As the half wore on Debenham found their form and broke the deadlock 10 minutes before the break when slack defending at the near post allowed a Debenham forward time and space to head home.

The lead was doubled early in the second half when the defence were again caught napping. The home forward needed no second invitation to crash the ball home after being presented with a guilt edged opportunity.

Rovers then mounted an onslaught on the hosts' goal, with Paul Bass smashing a shot from fully 20 yards that the goalkeeper could only help onto the post.

Rob Stamper then rose to nod a corner towards goal only to see it strike a defender on the line and bounce to safety.

It was the home side that held firm and they finally broke away to win a penalty that completed a sorry start for Rovers in the new season.

*Rovers were due to face March Town United on Tuesday evening and go to Swaffham Town on Saturday.