Saturday, 18 February
Stade de la Plaine, Paris XV
Friendly
Entente Sportive et Culturelle du XVème v Rovers 4-2 (0-0)
Rovers: Krzysztof – Alvaro, Federico, Ian, Jordi, Michael D, Sean H, Thomas A, Travis, Victor
Goals: Alvaro 2
Match report
The first Rovers tour abroad will be fondly remembered by the 12 brave mercenaries who took their green shirts to Paris on a busy Valentine’s Day week-end. One man was unfortunately left in the caring hands of nurses and away from the battlefield: poor Eric was hit by a nasty cold that forced him to watch ten episodes of the Simpsons on Saturday.
The other 11 met at Porte de Versailles on a grey but dry winter afternoon. The night before had seen some Brazilian celebrations in Montmartre and as a result Rover spirits were running high, even if focus was a little blurred at first. Luckily, everyone had been informed of their position and duties on a tablecloth the previous evening.
As the team entered the impressive 1970s sports facilities of Paris’ XVth district, they naturally evoked the spirit of the saint patron of hungover footballers: it would be none other than Belfast maverick Georgie Best who would guide us through the mists and perils of detoxification. From 1 to 11 as the song goes (http://youtu.be/H3pwFgr8mPI).
The opponents, l’Evolution Sportive et Culturelle du XVème, were in their own state of recovery: they had been hammered in a cup tie the evening before. Instant revenge and the restoration of pride were on their mind. In the end, their deserved victory would be delayed for more than an hour by some strong resistance and two goals from the touring Rovers.
After a double team photo to commemorate what may become a historical step in European integration, the first half was a tense and surprisingly scoreless affair. Rovers were patiently waiting for the younger opponents to commit forward and expose themselves at the back (Krzysztof perhaps more than anyone), and nearly got what they wanted with a few decent opportunities from distance.
But the best chance came for ESC XV, who saw a looping shot hit both posts before being collected by the blond Dudek. It was a lucky escape for the Rovers, but at least it kept touring coach Tobi Jogi (the injured talisman) awake on the side-line.
His half-time talk consisted of calling for renewed effort and patience, particularly from the twin towers of Alvaro and Federico in midfield. More presence was required of the Catalan in particular, as both Tobi Jogi and Viki Klinsi identified his potential key contribution after the break. And very present he became, playing an instrumental role in keeping the Rovers afloat for another 30 minutes, before two late goals sealed a Parisian win.
A total of six goals were scored in an entertaining second half, the first one courtesy of Toki the fox who beat the Rovers backline from a tight angle. But the Rovers had belief and they quickly equalised through a beauty of a corner delivered by Portuguese ringer-meister Nuno. The ball was flicked at the first post by Ian’s “Skippy the Bush Kangaroo” impersonation for Alvaro to finish decidedly from close range. It was not long however until the skilful Parisian midfielders returned to sniff around the Rovers box for blood and space. They regained the advantage through a xaviesque pass and messiesque finish from Niccolo and Octave. But once again, the Rovers did honour to their shirt and pulled themselves back level. This time some decent work by the humble author of these lines set up Alvaro to unleash a spectacular thunderbolt from 25 yards, which caught the (otherwise impressive) French keeper off his guard.
2-2, 15 minutes to go. Tobi Jogi was smiling. Not for long unfortunately, as the Rovers started to run out of fuel after what had turned out to be a gruelling hour of midfield combat. George Best would probably have asked for more liquor to finish the game in full swing. Or he might simply have asked to be taken off to give another player a chance and himself a pint of Guiness.
But this time it was the French offense who obtained their deserved and hard-fought win. Their fourth goal was the last kick of the game, included hand contacts – the Rovers central defenders had indeed paid tribute to another legend of the game, El Pibe de Oro, by proceeding to hide a couple of controversial touches from the eyes of the invisible referee.
The relief was shared by all at the final whistle: both teams had given a good account of their available capacities and team spirit. George Best was once again invoked, as the victorious hosts offered beers to their guests in the changing rooms. The favour was returned with wine and food later in the evening. The rest of the tour can be summarised as a tale of roasted ham, elegant dresses, pink ties and sunny strolls.




Saturday, 18th February
Kurt-Ritter-Sportplatz in Friedrichshain
Friendly
Rovers v Rudower Kicker II 5-1 (0-0)
Rovers: Andrés – Andreas, Chris, Dani, David, Esko, George Kavalidis, George Szabo, Gilly, Liam, Mark, Nacho, Ryan, Sean Woodgate
Goals: Esko, Liam, own goal, Gilly, Andreas
Booked Esko
Match report:
Played a 4-5-1 formation in the first half. While meant that the boys went into the drawing rooms at half time with a 0 – 0 score line it was also clear the we hadn’t seen many chances to go into the lead. In fact André pulled off a couple of good saves to hold the drawer. The first half was also quite a physical and at times scrappy game. Esko picked up a yellow card, while G.Szabo and Gilly were fortunate not to pick up a yellow.
Second saw a formation change to 4-4-2 and an early reward with well taken header by Esko from a George K corner on the 50th minute. Liam scored a well deserved second, 7 minutes later followed by a freak of an own goal 5 minutes which all but killed off the game. Gilly and Andreas scored later on in the game to seal our stamp of authority on the game.
Kickers only second half effort was rewarded with a goal half way through the game.
Nacho defended the defense in an effective manner while the rest of the players all put in a good performance. Well done lads.



Saturday, 4 February
Metrosportplatz in Friedrichshain
Friendly
THC Franziskaner I v Rovers 1-1 (1-1)
Rovers: Esko – Alberto, Andreas, Chris, Dani, Eric, Federico (c), James W, Liam, Mark, Mike Lawlor, Nacho, Niels, Pablo, Rick, Sean Healy, Thomas Adams
Goal: Alberto



Saturday, 4th February
Metrosportplatz in Friedrichshain
Friendly
THC Franziskaner II v Rovers 3-1
Rovers: Sean – Dan L, Dan M, Daniel B, James W, Jordi, Gilly, George K, Hector, Panos, Rafa
Goal: George
Miscellaneous: Rovers played the first ten minutes with nine and then the next 50 minutes with ten men
Despite an expected squad of 14, only 10 brave hearts managed to turn up and put in a valiant effort.
It’s such a shame a potentially good game was spoiled by so many no shows or last minute withdrawals. A better effort is needed here lads for the sake of the overall team.
Rovers finished on the wrong end of a 3 – 1 defeat. But a good test all the same.



Saturday, 14th January
Kurt-Ritter-Platz in Friedrichshain
Friendly
SFC Friedrichshain III FZ v Rovers 2-4
Rovers: Andrés, Alexandre, Andy, David, Dan A, Dan M, George K, Jordi, Marc, Mike D, Mike H, Mike L, Rafael, Reuben, Travis
Goals: Alexandre 2 (1 pen), Marc 2
Rovers win 4 to 2 in the bitter bitter cold. Highlight of the game was the fourth goal, when Marc “the flying Dutchman from Denmark” pulled a half-bicycle kick in mid-air. Clearly he was inspired by the top-notch coaching.