Mt Barker and Rovers locked together on points after the latter prevails in thrilling under-15s match

Rovers 51 strengthened their chances of finishing in the top two of the Albany Junior Soccer Association under-15s competition after defeating Mt Barker in less-than-favourable conditions last Saturday morning. Rovers Soccer Club was formed in 1951, which is why the team is called Rovers 51. The 4-3 win helped them move to the same number of points as Mt Barker in second place in the league standings after the round 11 clash. It was an uneventful first five minutes as both teams got used to the conditions but the game came to life when Mt Barker earned a corner and Daniel Azimi scored from it to give his side the early lead. Mt Barker then sat back and soaked up some pressure with Zachary Scott instrumental in attack for Rovers. Scott crossed the ball and Mt Barker’s keeper went down to collect but some miscommunication meant a defender put his foot on the ball knocking it into the path of Eddy Passmore, who slotted the equaliser. Moments before half time Xandar Schultz picked the ball up on the left hand side of the box and hit it across the face of goal to score and help Rovers 51 lead 2-1 at the break. Straight after the break Mt Barker almost levelled, but a fingertip save prevented the equaliser. But Jessica Vandevelde struck moments later as she got the ball under the body of the keeper to help Mt Barker respond. With the scores level and Mt Barker sniffing a victory they pushed players forward and Rovers were able to exploit the space in behind the Mt Barker defence. Two similar balls in behind allowed Michael Zaru to score two quick goals to give Rovers a two goal lead and some breathing space for the first time in the match. With full time looming, Izaak Viahov scored to give his side a chance to get something from the game. Mt Barker couldn’t find the equaliser in the last few moments of the match and Rovers finished winners. In the other 15s game, Rovers 19 proved too strong for Polonia, winning 5-0.