Great Wakering Rovers grinded out a win over Frenford on Saturday after noon thanks to an early second half goal by Bradleigh Rowland.

After a scrappy first half, Bradleigh Rowland netted early into the second half as Rovers saw the game out to claim three vital points.

Rovers have now won back to back games and now move up to eighth in the league table after defeating Frenford who remain bottom of the Essex Senior League.

They made four changes following Tuesday’s cup win over Heybridge Swifts. Rohan Teheney-Clark recently joined from Heybridge Swifts in goal with Thomas Barton, Shaye La-Rose and Ben Search restored back into the starting line up for the injured James White and Jack Dickinson. Alfie Whiteaker was in the bench.

Frenford came into the game in good form, having won back to back games.

Kickoff:

The first half was scrappy from both teams but Rovers enjoyed most of the possession.

The visitors had the first opportunity inside the opening five minutes. Frenford broke on a counter attack, Correy Davidson was played out on the right and fed the ball through to Sam Ince to run on in behind the defence but his shot was wide of the right post.

Midway through the second half, Rovers went close when Bradleigh Rowland and Shaun Gittleson combined and Gittleson was played down the right and delivered an inch perfect cross across goal to the on-rushing Harry Talbot but he scuffed the ball just past the left post.

Rovers then won a corner and Shaye La-Rose whipped in a good cross before a moment of pinball occurred in the box until Harrison Topliss dreaded the ball straight into the gloves of Lee Haylock.

Rovers then went close again and had strong appeals for a penalty. La-Rose fed the ball down the wing for Harry Talbot to run on amd fizzed in a cross to Ben Search who saw his goal bound shot blocked off the line by a supposed hand of the opposition defender and all of the players appealed but the referee waved away the appeals.

Frenford then had an opportunity late in into the first half when Davidson was once again sent running down the right before delivering the ball into the box and Ince’s shot was straight into the hands of the thankful Rohan Teheny-Clark.

Rovers were playing some neat football and were creating some decent opportunities but were lacking their finishing touch as chances went begging.

Halftime: Rovers 0-0 Frenford

Rovers came out of the traps in the second half and broke the deadlock just after two minutes. Harry Talbot received the ball on the left after good build up play from the back and Talbot took the ball past several defenders before cutting inside the box and squared the ball across goal to the on-rushing Bradleigh Rowland to tap into the empty net for the opening goal.

The tension had lifted off the players and the pressure had paid off.

Rovers were then starting to pile on the pressure and went in search of the next goal.

Shaye La-Rose and Bradleigh Rowland were causing problems down the wings as they were making life difficult for the visitors.

Rovers the went close to double their lead on three occasions just after an hour.

La-Rose combined with Ben Search who sent the left back running down the wing and passed the ball back to the unmarked Search who took a touch before sending his rising shot over the bar.

The hosts then had a great opportunity after the visitors corner was cleared and Rowland saw the run of Talbot who sent the midfielder running at goal. However, the visiting goalkeeper Lee Haylock did very well to hold his position before Talbot attempt to dribble past him and palmed away his shot.

Rovers then won a free kick on a counter attack after La-Rose was sent running down the left by Search and he was brought down by Sergio Tavares just by the corner of the box and was booked for the challenge. La-Rose the took the resulting free kick and his curling effort rattled off the cross bar.

Rovers then won a corner after good play and La-Rose whipped the ball in where Topliss’s header was apparently blocked by a hand. Rovers appealed but the referee waved play on.

Substitute Max Gnandi then had a great opportunity when Luke Hirst flicked the ball on and Gnandi flicked the ball through several defenders before running on at goal whilst holding off a defender. He ran at goal and once again had a strong appeal for a penalty when Haylock’s leg tripped the striker over but the referee wasn’t interested. The chance was still there however as Rowland did well to chase the ball down and squaring the ball back from the right to Gittleson who saw his fifteen yard shot blocked and just dipped over the bar.

Inside the last ten minutes, the visitors started to apply late pressure and it was backs to the wall for the Rovers.

They somewhat lost a bit of composure when Thomas Barton, Reece Conway and Jack McQueen were cautioned late on for lat challenges and time wasting.

The visitors started to throw in the kitchen sink with some set piece plays and throw ins but Rovers stood firm and did well to deal with the late pressure.

Harrison Topliss was outstanding in the defence as he won every header Frenford threw at him and the team worked tirelessly as a unit to see out the game for the win.

Fulltime: Rovers 1-0 Frenford

A win much needed for the Rovers. Next up, they welcome playoff contenders Barking on Tuesday night before rounding the month off with a home game to West Essex.

Some photos curtesy of Nicky Hayes.