Jake Cheetham and Richie Lyons rescued Melchester Rovers with late goals to deny

Blackport a priceless Mel Park scalp.

Cheetham finally found a way past the outstanding Valerio Gentile with nine minutes left to
spare Rovers' blushes after a bizarre early own goal by Danny Luik. And Lyons sealed
victory in stoppage time when he nodded past Gentile from close range from Rovers' 32nd
effort on goal.

The late fightback was tough on the Tigers who, with only four Premier League wins this
season, had desperately needed a change in fortune. They were gifted it in comical
circumstances inside four minutes.

Nathan Daniels flapped at a cross and only half cleared to Jamie Bardon, whose tame shot
deflected off James Carruthers. With Luik and Matias Vera covering the net, a clearance
should have been routine, but 30m of combined talent failed to deal with the situation as
Luik flicked a header past his team-mate and into his own goal.

Rovers' response was swift and Lyons was desperately unlucky not to force an equaliser
when his right-foot shot smashed against both posts and back into the grateful arms of
Gentile. The Italian, who has now figured in Blackport's last visits to Mel Park despite failing
to win a regular place in the side, was vital to Blackport's dogged protection of their early
lead.

He made first-half saves to keep out Marco De Loon's shot on the turn and Cheetham's free-
kick and then reacted well early in the second half to keep out De Loon's shot with his legs.
Gentile also reacted well to tip over Luik's searching chip 10 minutes into the second half.
But the best save of all came on 63 minutes when Gentile scrambled across his goal to keep
out Vera's shot from Cheetham's low centre.

Cheetham was pivotal to Rovers' recovery and the captain had claims for a penalty waved
away when he tumbled under a nervy challenge from Bernardo Gijon.

But Blackport's most influential midfielder was forced off after only 14 minutes, Bardon
feeling the effects of an illness which had threatened to keep him out. Rovers also lost
goalkeeper Daniels in the first half, a victim of a groin injury which prompted a call to action
for Santiago Tomillo on 29 minutes.

The unpopular Tomillo may as well have left his gloves on the bench as he was barely called
upon in a remaining hour which saw Rovers lay siege to the Blackport goal. And, just as it
appeared that Blackport would hold on, their defensive back door finally creaked open.

Carruthers' forward whack caught the Tigers' back four pushing forward and Cheetham
seized the opportunity to finally escape the shackles of the determined Gijon and poke past
Gentile.

That goal heralded a 10-minute cavalry charge by Rovers, capped by Lyons' late header
from Lucas Cleary's hooked cross which denied Blackport the point that Gentile's heroics
had merited.

Melchester Rovers: Daniels (Tomillo 29), Page, Carruthers, Vera (Jacobs 63), Small,
Cheetham, Luik (Piedra 90), Cleary, De Loon, Lyons, Belliqueux.
Subs Not Used: Soupillier, Tonks, Marshall, Dickson.

Booked: Carruthers, De Loon.

Blackport: Gentile, Kante, Burgess (Miner 57), Piner, James, Ndah, Svensson, Bardon
(Robins 14), Gijon, Bonera (Cronje 78), Shipp.
Subs Not Used: Migi, Puos, Karoui, Wanless.

Booked: James.

Attendance: 55,011.
Referee: D Cripps (Cornwall).

***
Melchester Rovers closed the gap on leaders Melboro to two points as they beat
Barmouth with a commanding display in West Wales.

Barmouth contributed plenty to an entertaining fast-paced game and took an early lead
through Gudjon Simonsson's fine early strike. But they still ended the day bottom of the
Premier League after goals from Harry Jacobs, Richie Lyons and Marco De Loon.

It was only Rovers third away win of the season, while Barmouth are now without a win in
16 matches. Andr Belliqueux was dropped for Rovers, although Johan Seegrun was
buoyed by the return of goalkeeper Nathan Daniels who had recovered from the knock that
forced him off last weekend.

For Barmouth, Albert Crawford was back after six weeks out, replacing the suspended
Matthijs Van Kuif.

Fabian Lenkiewicz produced a sharp early save from De Loon, but Rovers were shocked
after six minutes. A bad pass from James Carruthers allowed Simonsson to pick up the ball
and, as the Rovers defence backed away, the Icelander fired a 25-yard shot past Daniels.
Barmouth's joy was short-lived. Rovers levelled inside 60 seconds through Jacobs, the
recalled winger slotting home from Jake Cheetham's cross. And they could do nothing
against Lyons' classy strike on 23 minutes. Danny Luik and De Loon deserve credit for their
patient build-up with the midfielder providing the cross which Lyons volleyed home.

The goal gave Rovers plenty of confidence and De Loon saw a shot saved by Lenkiewicz as
they re-established their superiority.

There was no lack of endeavour from Barmouth but Mario Bertini's side lacked a cutting
edge against a settled Rovers defence.

It was no surprise when Rovers increased their lead on 55 minutes, when De Loon nipped in
at the far post to fire home.

Barmouth: Lenkiewicz, Charlton, Falconi (Amoah 75), Crawford, Jansson, Chemin, Dublin
(Sill 86), Carter, Dread, Simonsson, Lopez
Subs Not Used: Soderling, McQueen, Alvaro, Antonito, King.

Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Page, Carruthers, Vera, Small, Cheetham, Luik (Spink 81),
Cleary, De Loon (Marshall 67), Lyons, Jacobs (Dickson 89).
Subs Not Used: Tomillo, Soupillier, Tonks, Belliqueux.

Booked: Lyons.

Attendance: 20,065.
Referee: P Smith (East Midlands).

***
Jamie Marshall's injury-time winner kept Melchester Rovers at the heart of the title
race and left Kelburn stunned at Mel Park.

Substitute Marshall decided a game that looked destined for stalemate with a powerful strike
in the third minute of stoppage time after a superb through-ball by Jake Cheetham. The
victory kept the pressure on Premier League pace-setters Melboro, but was heartbreaking
for Kelburn, who looked on course for a hard-earned point.

Edwin Peril gave Freddy Sepp's side the lead on the half-hour, but Thomas Cloister's
mistake allowed Tommy Tonks to set up Richie Lyons' equaliser within eight minutes.
Marshall then stepped into the hero's role to snatch a dramatic victory.

Seegrun left Marco De Loon and Cheetham on the bench, clearly with an eye on
Wednesday nights Champions League match in Varagosa.

It was a surprisingly lacklustre opening half from Rovers - and they could count themselves
fortunate to go in level at the interval. Kelburn were in comfortable control, despite losing
David Colsa inside 20 minutes with an ankle injury sustained in a challenge with Lucas
Cleary. He attempted to carry on, but was swiftly replaced by Mikey Bokanga.
Rovers were rarely a threat, but had penalty appeals rejected after 21 minutes when Nathan
Small's cross struck Marquitos on the arm.

Kelburn deservedly took the lead on the half hour, when Nic Jensen released Peril, who
flicked a delicate finish beyond Nathan Daniels. The lead last only eight minutes as Rovers
restored equality after a moment of rare carelessness from Cloister. He sent a clearance
straight to Cleary, and his curling cross was met by Lyons' header.

It was harsh on Kelburn, and Seegrun reflected his discontent by sending on De Loon for
Andr Belliqueux at the start of the second half. The move galvanised Rovers - and they
only narrowly missed taking the lead early in the second half.

Lyons struck an upright from eight yards after Danny Luik's short corner - then Vinnie
Abrahams blocked Lyons goalbound shot.

Kelburn were still dangerous and Daniels needed to be alert to block Peril's drive.
Cloister made amends for his earlier error with a moment of brilliance after 70 minutes. Harry
Jacobs' header looked destined for the bottom corner until the Belgian dived brilliantly to his
right to save. It was the winger's last contribution as he was replaced by Marshall.
And Marshall almost marked his arrival with a goal within three minutes, Cloister again
saving well from 20 yards.

Rovers had been a side transformed after the break, and Luik was guilty of wasting a golden
chance 10 minutes from the end when he shot wide from close range. But Marshall was not
to be denied, scoring again against Kelburn, following two in the EFL Cup in September.

Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Page, Carruthers, Vera (Cheetham 82), Small, Tonks, Luik,
Cleary, Belliqueux (De Loon 45), Lyons, Jacobs (Marshall 71).
Subs Not Used: Tomillo, Soupillier, Spink, Dickson.

Kelburn: Cloister, Aguilera, Roberto, Hay, Abrahams (Farinos 56), Keita, Jensen, Marquitos,
Perez (Alam 84), Colsa (Bokanga 15), Peril.
Subs Not Used: Bajramovic, Monte, Johnson, Hillier-Chinn.

Attendance: 55,450.
Referee: L Stoneman (Dorset).

***
Johnny Reyes and Cristovao both scored as Real Varagosa moved towards their tenth
successive Champions League quarter-final with victory over Melchester Rovers.

Varagosa got off to a fantastic start when Reyes poked in after three minutes, before Comigo
doubled the advantage with a low shot from the edge of the area.

Cristovao added a third after the break when he danced past goalkeeper Nathan Daniels
and slotted in.

The second leg is on 7 March.

Johan Seegrun's side, who were into the Champions League knock-out stages for the first
time, will retain faint hope they can turn the tie around, but they will also realise they were
soundly beaten by a Varagosa side who were not operating at their very best.
If the Spanish giants perform like they did when they demolished Rassburg 6-1 in Germany
in the final group round, then Rovers will have no hope.
The English champions did have their opportunities. They had 12 efforts on goal, although
only two were on target, and without injured forward Marco De Loon, they lacked poise in
front of goal.

The visitors found themselves a goal down when Reyes, who has had a superb debut
season with Los Azuliverdes, caught the defence out as he sprinted into the area to convert
Diego Canas' square ball. It was the Chilean's fifth goal in eight Champions League games.

Varagosa made it 2-0 just before the half-hour mark when Rovers keeper Daniels and his
backline were outwitted by the quick feet of Comigo and the subsequent low shot that found
the bottom right corner.

Daniels had a tough workout on a wet night in Spain. He tipped over free-kicks from
Cristovao and Reyes, before using his foot to block the latter's deft flick from eight yards.
Perhaps the save of the night came after the break when he denied Khaled Benachour's
half-volley that seemed destined for the roof of the net.

However, he could do nothing for Varagosa's third which was brilliantly converted by
Cristovao.

The Portuguese forward, in his 150th appearance in the competition, found himself face-to-
face with the keeper, before shifting to his left and tapping in.

It was a record-equalling 14th goal in a single season of this version of the competition -
matching Zamara's Luis Lleno.

Rovers created a couple of good chances after the break. First, Jake Cheetham had his shot
from three yards blocked by Paz, while Andr Belliqueux fired a yard wide when he should
have hit the target.

An away goal would have given Rovers hope but, as it is, next week's fixture is likely to be
their final appearance in this season's competition.

Real Varagosa: Rasuras, Canas, Valery, Raul (Paz 71), Mancini, Masnic, Comigo, Reise,
Reyes (Huesco 76), Cristovao, Benachour (Mista 81).
Subs Not Used: Finca, Nando, Klasnic, Fran.

Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Page, Carruthers, Vera, Small (Soupillier 62), Cheetham, Luik,
Cleary, Belliqueux (Marshall 67), Lyons, Jacobs (Piedra 82).
Subs Not Used: Tomillo, Spink, Tonks, Dickson.

Booked: Lyons.

Attendance: 80,101.
Referee: R Rodrigo (Portugal).
 ***

Richie Lyons stoppage-time header completed a memorable hat-trick to rescue

Melchester Rovers a victory over Kingsbay in a pulsating encounter.

Nicky Morris headed Saints in front, before Lyons produced a touch of class to volley Rovers
level. But the hosts got themselves back in front with a header from Jack Potter before
Lyons dinked penalty was well saved by Frank Back.

Rovers poured forward and the recalled England striker looked to have rescued a point
when he stabbed home a rebound. But the in-form forward was not satisfied and wrapped up
all three points with a superb near-post header to ensure Johan Seegrun was victorious in
his 100th match in charge of Rovers.

For Kingsbay it was a desperately disappointing end to what had been a cracking game in
which they fully played their part.

After a poor start to the Premier League season, the Seasiders have recovered well to sit
eighth. But it appears that their tag as underachievers is still well deserved. However if this
performance is anything to go by, Jean Grimonds side are on an upward curve and may well
still challenge for a Europa League place. In Ollie Morrison and Nicky Morris they have two
of the best English strikers in the Premier League.

Grimond a great defender for France in his day, will be disappointed with his sides defence.
Kingsbay had conceded just 20 goals in their 24 league games before today, so shipping
three in one match, even against the Champions came as a shock to the Frenchman and his
mid-table side.

At the top of the table, if Lyons - who now has 14 goals in 13 games since returning from
injury - can continue his form for the rest of this season, Seegrun has every chance of
securing back-to-back Premier League titles for Rovers.

Lyons was a menace throughout and showed his class with three expertly taken goals.

The early kick-off seemed to have disjointed the hosts and in the opening exchanges, in the
sixth minute Lyons fired a volley just wide. But after a bright start from Rovers, it was
Kingbsay who took the lead when Morris out jumped Ryan Small at the back post to head
home his eleventh of the season.

Rovers were soon on level terms though, when Lyons fired home a half volley at the back
post after a fine cross from Marco De Loon.

Jake Cheetham went close for Rovers either side of half-time while Lyons side-footed wide
when unmarked in the area.

Bay were looking lively on the break and it came as no real surprise when Potter headed
them back in front from Morris' cross, taking advantage of Matias Vera's slip to beat Nathan
Daniels from close range.

Rovers introduced Harry Jacobs and the left winger immediately created a chance for Lyons,
who fired straight at Back from a tight angle.

Seegrun's men should have been level moments later after Miachi Yamada scythed down
Lyons in the box. But the forward could only watch in horror as the Bay keeper flung himself
to his right and, at full stretch, managed to palm the chipped penalty around the post.

Lyons, though, was not to be denied and his late brace was enough to give Seegrun victory
in his landmark match.

Kingsbay: Back, Sergio (Eamal 88), Yamada, Jackson, Earnest, Michaels (Short 90),
Vagaro, Potter, Morris, Greenock (Tesic 70), Morrison.
Subs Not Used: McLean, Golan, Lesuur, Eamal.

Booked: Yamada.
Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Page, Carruthers, Vera, Small, Cheetham, Luik, Cleary
(Piedra 90), De Loon (Marshall 90), Lyons, Belliqueux (Jacobs 62).
Subs Not Used: Tomillo, Soupillier, Tonks, Dickson.

Booked: Page.

Attendance: 32,761.
Referee: M Pooley (Tyne & Wear).

***

Real Varagosa shook off a first-half scare to win at Melchester Rovers and reach the
UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the tenth season in a row courtesy of
strikes from Ral and Mista, either side of an own goal from Jake Cheetham, who had
revived Rovers hopes with the opening goal of the evening.

Rovers may have been 3-0 down from the first leg, but they were eager to get back into this
round of 16 tie as quickly as possible, with Cheetham, Marco De Loon and Richie Lyons all
getting in early shots. Insigne was the first to draw Kelvyn Rasuras into action, before Lyons
dragged his attempt just wide.
Lyons was instrumental in the opening goal midway through the first period, his pass setting
Cheetham away down the left; the captain drilled his finish across Rasuras and inside the far
post. Varagosa had shown little going forward but were almost level within five minutes as
Cristovao skipped round Nathan Daniels, only to fire against the base of the post.

Rovers, however, were doing the bulk of the attacking, and Cheetham again threatened
before the break after Miguel Piedra and Danny Luik had forced the ball through to him; this
time the woodwork came to Varagosa's rescue.

Varagosa re-emerged for the second period with renewed intent, Khaled Benachour flashing
an effort narrowly wide of the near post, before two Varagosa corners totally changed the tie.

Ral had not scored in the UEFA Champions League since last season's final, yet rose at
the near post to head in Tommy Reise's delivery from the left. Six minutes later, the
Varagosa defender met a right-wing delivery from the German, with a deflection off
Cheetham helping the ball past Daniels.

The visitors were suddenly cruising, and added late gloss in the final moments, Mista
tapping in after Daniels had parried a Cristovao attempt.

Varagosa were on the ropes going into half-time, their midfield under pressure and their
defence too easily split. Crucially, though, they trailed only 1-0 and the Azuliverdes were able
to regroup at the break. They then made the hosts pay for their profligacy with those two
visiting goals in six minutes sealing the champions' spot in the quarter-finals.

Despite being unable to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1978, Rovers can be
confident about the future. "Our biggest hope is that this kind of game will become a habit for
Rovers," coach Johan Seegrun had said pre-match. His side showed they belong at this
level with a wonderful first-half display. The foundations of a truly successful outfit appear to
be there and they're not the first team to be punished by Cristovao and company. The
future is bright at Mel Park.

Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Page, Carruthers, Vera, Piedra (Small 56), Cheetham, Luik,
Cleary, De Loon, Lyons (Dickson 75), Belliqueux (Jacobs 70).
Subs Not Used: Tomillo, Soupillier, Tonks, Marshall.

Booked: Piedra, Belliqueux.

Real Varagosa: Rasuras, Canas, Paz, Ral, Mancini, Masnic (Fran 80), Comigo, Reise,
Stamp (Huesco 68), Cristovao, Benachour (Mista 77).
Subs Not Used: Finca, Nando, Davino, Reyes.

Attendance: 55,008.
Referee: J Pierre (France).

***
Jake Cheetham scored on his 250th senior appearance to help lift Melchester Rovers
to within three points of leaders Melboro with victory over Walford.

The Rovers captain sealed the win after Ryan Small's spectacular 20-yard strike had given
the visitors a first-half lead. The young wing-back also showed his worth in defence when he
cleared Gary Parlour's header off the line.

Walford improved after the break but Cheetham timed his run to tuck in with 10 minutes left
and later hit the bar.

A stinging shot from Youssouf NGuessan was saved by Nathan Daniels and it had looked
like Rovers might have to endure a nervous finish before Cheetham's intervention settled the
contest.

In the end, there was time for Jamie Marshall and Richie Lyons to waste further chances, as
Rovers inflicted a defeat that leaves Walford without a victory in six.

Rovers, who face leaders Melboro next time out, know a win in the Derby will take them
level on points at the top of the Premier League table.
The only minor worry for the defending champions was an injury to Marco De Loon as the
forward set up Small for the opener. The Dutchman was replaced before half-time after
suffering what looked like a hip injury as he fell down a cameraman's bunker behind the
goal-line.

The visitors had already threatened through Andr Belliqueux's early header before Small
struck, and Walford were scarcely helping themselves by continually giving the ball away.

It was one such loss of possession that led to the opening goal. Ross Warren was
dispossessed by Cheetham, who fed De Loon and when Alan Brownlie palmed away the
Netherlands international's cross, the ball fell to Small, who sent his shot into the top corner.

Declan McKaffree fought back for Walford, demonstrating some neat skill but unable to find
a finishing touch. The hosts then came close to an equaliser when Small cleared centre-half
Parlour's header off the line.

Small was turning in a performance to back up Sir Alex Ferguson's recent assessment of the
20-year-old as a maturing presence, and moments later the wing-back raced to the other
end and provided a floated cross for De Loon, but the forward's measured volley was tipped
away by Brownlie.

That was the last meaningful action for De Loon, who was replaced by Marshall. But the
change did little to disrupt Rovers' dominance James Carruthers should have done better
from Cheetham's cross but headed over from six yards out.

Louis Mason, making his first appearance for Walford since signing from Hunsted Town in
January, had a busy afternoon at right-back as Rovers probed down the left through the
dangerous Belliqueux.

Walford retained possession better after the break and had chances to equalise when
Daniels stopped NGuessan's strike, before keeping out another Parlour header. But just as
the hosts were beginning to build some momentum, Cheetham latched onto Danny Luik's
pass to score his 53rd club goal and demonstrate yet again his critical value to Rovers.

Melchester Rovers manager Johan Seegrun:

"It was a great result for us. It's another game away so it's important, we are 3 points behind
at the moment. It was one of these games where the pitch was poor, the ground was tight.
There wasn't a great deal of football, it was a display from us which was more about
determination, concentration and defending and we got through it."

Walford: Brownlie, Oluwatobi, Parlour, Crane, Mason (Martin 63), Warren, Molto (Babb 74),
Sidibe, Foster, McKaffree, NGuessan (York 63).
Subs Not Used: Vounce, Kazdysky, Mackay.

Booked: Mason, Crane.

Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Page, Carruthers, Vera, Small, Cheetham, Luik, Cleary
(Jacobs 80), De Loon (Marshall 41), Lyons, Belliqueux (Spink 82).
Subs Not Used: Tomillo, Soupillier, Tonks, Dickson.

Booked: Vera, Luik, Cleary.

Attendance: 19,001.
Referee: L Freeman (Oxfordshire).

***

Melchester Rovers and Melboro fought out another dour derby that failed to live up to
expectations at Mel Park.

Rovers were the more composed side as they extended their unbeaten Premier League run
to 7 games - but the failure to capitalise on a greater share of possession meant the gap at
the top of the table remains three points in Melboros favour
.
Kenny Davenport's league leaders lacked craft and guile, failing to seriously trouble Rovers'
defence, although the tireless Santiago Fuentes brought a fine first-half save from Nathan
Daniels with an early 25-yard snap-shot.

Rovers' best chances came when Andr Belliqueux burst into the area only to shoot straight
at Johnny White, while Richie Lyons also tested the Boro keeper with an overhead kick after
the break.
Johan Seegrun, without the injured Marco De Loon, will be satisfied with Rovers overall
display, but may regard it as a opportunity lost given his side's superiority on the ball.

Boro, for their part, could never exert any authority, despite the hard running of Fuentes,
although the late - arguably too late - introduction of Titus Yakubu almost created a winner
for ex-Rover Fabian NDiaye, who wasted a presentable opening.

A limp first 45 minutes betrayed the lively exchanges in the build-up, with barely a chance
worthy of the name as caution ruled Mel Park.

The home side were more comfortable in possession, and one such passage of play led to
an opening for Belliqueux inside the area, but his finish was too close to White.

Jake Cheetham, such a central figure in River Mel derbies these days, had been contained
comfortably by David Baker and Fabiano Silva, but almost came out of his shell to break the
deadlock after 35 minutes.

He curled a 20-yard free-kick towards the top corner, but White was able to move his left and
claw his effort away in relative comfort.

Rovers continued to look the more ordered side after the break, and when Lyons was on
target with a bicycle kick, Hart was perfectly positioned to make the save.

As in the opening period, both teams seemed incapable of carving out clear chances and the
respective managers made changes in an attempt to break the deadlock, with Yakubu
replacing Ravel Penny for Boro and United's emerging young striker James Marshall
coming on for Belliqueux.

Boro finally got a clear sight of Daniels goal with four minutes remaining when Yakubu's
pass fell kindly for NDiaye, but his effort was too high to trouble the keeper - and it would
have been harsh on Rovers had they snatched a winner.

Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Page, Carruthers, Vera, Small (Piedra 49), Cheetham, Luik,
Cleary (Tonks 68), Belliqueux (Marshall 78), Lyons, Jacobs.
Subs Not Used: Tomillo, Soupillier, Jordan, Dickson.

Booked: Piedra, Cheetham.

Melboro: White, Velasco, Sands (Kujovic 80), Baker, Esperer, Fabiano Silva, Van Hersens,
Penny (Yakubu 73), Dani Garcia, NDiaye, Fuentes (Sisito 90).
Subs Not Used: Picante, Vendel, Zapata, Delfim.

Attendance: 55,283.
Referee: J Brown (Essex).

***
Melchester Rovers failed to score again as they held on to draw at Castleton, slipping
five points behind rivals Melboro at the top of the Premier League.

Johan Seegrun's team had plenty of possession but created little as they weathered an early
storm after Castleton's Yannick Bolasie hit the bar.

Jake Cheetham's first-half free-kick was saved but Castleton had the better chances with
Yohan Cabaye going closest.

Rovers remain second in the Premier League but are now five points behind leaders
Melboro and just three ahead of third-placed Tynecaster United, who have a game in hand.

Legendary Melchester Rovers former player and manager Blackie Gray said this week
that Seegrun's Champions failed to excite him and lacked creativity. And that criticism
seemed justified at a rowdy Castleton Stadium where they followed up the stalemate against
Melboro with another lukewarm performance.

Cheetham's free-kick was the only effort Rovers had on target while Castleton also
threatened through Moho Sarr's header and Christophe Bartele's drive, which was well
saved by Nathan Daniels.
The championship chasing visitors have now not scored in 200 minutes and they rarely got
in behind Castleton, who ended a run of three defeats.

Andr Belliqueux was preferred again on the left wing, and gave Castleton right-back Julian
Stewart a difficult time with boss Ian Kirby switching him to the left in the second half to avoid
a sending-off following a first-half booking.

Rovers did threaten on the few occasions when Belliqueux moved inside, which also
occurred when Kelvin Dickson was brought on in the second half, but questions will once
again be asked of Seegrun's team selection as they struggled in the final third.

Cheetham started up front, with Richie Lyons rested and was once again a peripheral figure,
often picking up the ball facing his own goal.

The Rovers captain had been working so well in partnership with Lyons, that the decision to
drop their 15 goal top scorer to the bench along with some surprising substitutions, mystified
most observers, not just Blackie Gray.

From a positive point of view, though, Seegrun's team still have the meanest defence in the
league and did well to achieve a ninth clean sheet of the league season as they came under
increasing pressure from the hosts.

Whereas Rovers were rarely troubled against rivals Melboro last Saturday, Castleton
caused them plenty of problems with former Portdean winger Theo Andrews their chief
tormentor down the left.

William Zoro also had a running battle with Rovers defender Matias Vera and it was only
poor finishing which let Kirby's side down.

It was a first Premier League point in four games for his entertaining side, but had Yann
Carriere, Sarr, Mick Ward or Bartele taken one of several opportunities, they could easily
have come away with a more positive result.

Rovers have just one win over Castleton in the league since 1980 but a point keeps them
very much in the title chase although recent displays certainly lack the attacking flair of Roy
Races team of the early 80s.

Melchester Rovers boss Johan Seegrun:

"We did not keep the ball. That's a very important factor and because of that we didn't create
too many chances. I have to say I can't complain about the result. Not scoring is a big
concern but I already said that not losing is important too. Today we didn't create so many
chances so it's more difficult. When you don't keep the ball you can't create chances."

Castleton: Williams, Stewart, Ward, Sarr, Schneider (Doyle 58), Carriere (Sala 45), Lukovic
(Allott 88), Zoro, Cuffy, Andrews, Bartele.
Subs Not Used: Spinosa, Cook, Kang, Johnson.

Booked: Stewart, Carriere, Cuffy.

Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Page, Carruthers, Vera, Small (Piedra 66), Tonks (Jordan 79),
Luik (Dickson 69), Cleary, Marshall, Cheetham, Belliqueux.
Subs Not Used: Tomillo, Soupillier, Carpenter, Lyons.

Booked: Small, Page, Vera.

Attendance: 24,871.
Referee: D Jones (Gloucestershire).
***

NEXT Out of Europe, but still on for the title? Melchester Rovers 2016/17 season
concludes soon!

Storky Knight