Correy Davidson put the hosts in front with a long range effort before the break before Ezra Agyiri netted a brace early into the second half. However, Halstead Town responded with two late goals as Kane Gilbert and George Smith netted late on to condemn the Rovers to defeat.

The day was already made difficult for Marcus Bowers and he included himself in the bench due to many key players injured or missing.

Kickoff:

In fairness to both sides, the action was end to end buy lacked any effort that troubled either keeper early on.

Inside 2 minutes, a long throw into the box by Harrison Chatting couldn’t be cleared. Wesley Mbedzi found Harry Talbot on the edge of the box and saw his shot rebound off the right post before Mbedzi’s close range effort was deflected over the bar.

10 minutes later, Talbot was causing a trouble when he was played down the wing and cut inside before cutting the ball back to Mbedzi who found Chatting at the back post and his audacious over head kick just wide.

The Humbugs however were looking dangerous on the counter. Thankfully, Rovers defended well and limited any clear cut opportunities. However, Halstead were becoming relentless and on 34 minutes they made the breakthrough.

Harrison Chatting was in possession on the right side of the area but Correy Davidson chased the ball down to win possession. Davidson got his head up and curled a fantastic finished that dropped into the top left corner. Rovers appealed for a free kick but the referee wasn’t interested.

The hosts had their tails up and were making life difficult for the Rovers as they continued to bombard the Rovers goal but thankfully any effort was tame for the defence.

Barton was booked for a late challenge late on and Rovers went into the break behind.

Halftime: Halstead Town 1-0 Rovers

The start to the second half saw Rovers get off to a brilliant start.

After 2 minutes Finley Ledger was fouled on the left midfield after a late challenge by Joel Older. The attacker was booked whilst Ledger required treatment and Rovers made the set piece count.

On 49 minutes, a good move through the midfield found Wesley Mbedzi on the left and he cut in before finding Talbot on the edge of the box and laid the ball in on the plate to Ezra Agyiri to curl the ball into the bottom corner for his brace.

In less than five minutes later, Rovers were in front with a well taken goal.

Rovers caught out Halstead with a long ball forward. The ball was flicked on by Harry Talbot for Agyiri to run through on goal and slot in the equaliser.

Rovers looked on top and were having a good spell with possession but the Halstead completely changed the game with their substitutions on 70 minutes.

A ball wasn’t cleared from the box and Kane Gilbert pounced on a loose ball before finding the bottom right corner to equalise.

The substitutions would prove pivotal as they caused trouble once again and on 77 minutes Halstead were back in front.

A long free kick by Jack Cherry found a winger on the left and he got past his marked before squaring the ball across goal to George Smith to lash in.

Rovers attempted to get back into the game but Halstead defended well and limited the Rovers to any clear cut opportunities.

In the final minutes of the game, Halstead could have added to their lead when Joel Older was played in and forced a good save from George Marsh at his near post before getting up again and saving his rebound.

Fulltime: Halstead Town 3-2 Rovers

A bitter defeat to take which leaves the Rovers 17th in the league. But Rovers must now put the defeat behind them and prepare for big month ahead when they welcome Harwich & Parkeston to Burroughs Park on Saturday.

A good turnout from the almost fifty supporters who made the long journey. Thankyou for your support.

Some photos curtesy of the Essex Senior League