Encouraging Signs Continue in Competitive Preseason Battle

Rovers were very unlucky to be edged out by the odd goal in five against Hitchin Sunday League newcomers St Ippolyts Reserves on Sunday 17th August, but with plenty of positives to take and the summer heat adding to the challenge for both teams, the club continues to bank postive performances as preparations for the upcoming season.

Kimpton took an early lead when Assistant Manager Adam Sayer forced home a Tom Hills corner.  Attempts on goal were few and far between as the first period progressed but the home side levelled when a long high ball from the back caught the Rovers defence flat-footed and the loose ball was tucked home.  Before the break the Ipps got their noses in front when, for the third week running, a speculative effort from outside the box found its way into the back of the net.

After the restart things got unusually competitive for a pre-season friendly game and both sides upped their work rates creating good chances.  It was one of these chances that saw Rovers return the favour and draw level.  Once again, a Hills set piece, this time a free-kick was launched deep into the home sides six yard box and was turned in by Liam Thomas.  The remainder of the game was end to end with both sides coming close to retaking the lead, and with just 14 minutes remaining unbelievable bad luck proved to be the visitors undoing as a clearance from the edge of the box struck a fellow team mate, dropping in front of a St Ipps attacker who smashed the ball home from eight yards.  Rovers threw everything they had at their hosts as the clock ticked down but they were unable to find that elusive second equaliser.

ST IPPOLYTS RESERVES  3 -2   KIMPTON ROVERS CFC

Once again there were positives taken from this highly competitive exercise that the club will take into another away game, against Ashwell FC next weekend.