Wrong Club Says Nash

Rovers Chairman George Nash said today that he felt strongly that Wellington player Chris Killen had signed for the wrong club. "There are two great teams in Glasgow and they are Rangers and Rangers Reserves" said Nash "I'm don't know much about the side that Killen has signed for but if I'm any judge they don't look up to much". Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said that he thought Killen had signed for a club in the wrong country as further time in Scotland wouldn't help his game. "I fear for Chris as he reached the high point of his career when he played for Port Vale" said Hall "I suspect it will be one long slide as long as he plays in Scotland where the highlight of his season will be to play Rangers". Hall said Killen was welcome to join Zephyr Rovers on his eventual return to Wellington. "He's in our plans as regards the target to be the best team in Wellington by 30 June 2030" said Hall.

No Change In The Boardroom

Zephyr Rovers Chairman George Nash said there would be no changes in the boardroom after Rovers crashed out of the Division 3 semi-final. "You can't blame the board for missing a penalty" said Nash "and frankly the sort of thing boards do best are governance, which is a code word for drinking wine in flash establishments". Nash said Rovers were perhaps the best governed team in Division 3. "Most of the teams in the league can barely manage to wear shirts the same colour" said Nash "and here we are with sponsorship and a sponsored kit". Nash said reports were that the sponsor would have liked a trophy in the cabinet but were still keen to back the team. "We seem to be regularly on the front page of Search Wellington website" said Nash "and the lads are seen in pubs all over town so the brand has high visibility".

Rebuilding?

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said that the club would not be actively looking for new players for the new season. "We'll be sticking with the current squad and only look to fill gaps if people drop out" said Hall "we've got a good combination and will only benefit from staying together for another season in Division 3". Hall said it was one thing to play well during the regular season but inevitably the standard raised in the knock out rounds so teams needed that something extra when it came to the semi-finals. "Just because you beat a team in the round robin doesn't mean they'll play the same line up in the semi-final" said Hall "you need to play your squad during the season but ensure you have your best line up for the big games". Hall said injuries could impact on a team and the loss of Ben White (pictured) had been a key in defence. "We've probably got quite a few players who can play up front, but we could do with a strong defender for when Eddie and Ben aren't both available" Hall said he also hoped Craig Candy would be able to play a few more games next season.

Shoot Out At Shed 6

Zephyr Rovers were controversially eliminated from the Division 3 play-offs after a penalty shoot out with Rothenbury Rangers. "We finished 5 - 5 in all sorts of confusion after the referee disallowed two perfectly good goals to Rovers" said Zephyr Manager Steve Hall "several of the Rothenbury players actually were surprised to find out they hadn't lost". Hall said that the penalty shoot out consisted of one kick apiece and Rothenbury converted and Rovers didn't. "It's a tough way to go out but we can be proud of our first season in Division 3 and we know we're not far off the pace" said Hall "indeed were were 5 - 3 up and just couldn't finish them off with that killer last goal". Hall said there wasn't much between the top teams and had Craig Candy not been a late withdrawal, Rovers might have qualified for the final. "We'll be back for more next season" said Hall "and players like Eddie Hussey (pictured) playing with a heavy cold show the commitment of the team". Hall said it was very close but Rovers would now have to get up for the third place play-off.

Final: Rovers 5 Rangers 5
(Rangers progress on penalties)

"No Pressure" Says Nash

Zephyr Chairman George Nash said he was feeling no pressure going into the semi-final clash tomorrow with Rothenbury Rangers. "I've had a fairly quiet weekend analysing tapes on TV" said Nash "and tomorrow I'm confident we'll be going out and taking it to Rangers, providing everyone is available who was selected". Nash said it was his first season with Rovers and therefore his first semi-final. "Rovers have a record to date of reaching every semi-final" said Nash "and to do that again whilst having being promoted four divisions is an accomplishment in itself". Nash said he'd be starting off the bench but thought he could make a contribution on the field as well as in the Boardroom. The games kicks off in Shed 6 at noon.

"Crude Fake" Says Smith

Former Rover and Australian Scout Charlie Smith said today the photo of him wearing a Saints shirt was a crude fake. "I know I made a bet that I'd wear a scum shirt for a day" said Smith "but one seriously thinks I'm going to keep my word on this one do they?". Smith said his dislike of "the scum" was possibly even stronger than his like for Pompey. "I can only think of one thing you'd want to do with a Scum shirt" said Smith "and let's just say you wouldn't print it in a newspaper or put it on a web site". Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said that Smith was clearly all talk when it came to honouring his commitments. "We're looking forward to seeing the genuine photo but at this stage aren't sure that Charlie will be going through with it". Former Rovers player Chris Riddle said he thought the Saints shirt looked very stylish "except on Smith".

Smith Not Coming

Charlie Smith put his return visit to Wellington on ice today saying he'd decided to go to Melbourne instead. "I was going to go to Wellington but then I thought Melbourne sounded like it had a better climate" said Smith "so I won't be coming back to Wellington at this stage". Zephyr Manager Steve Hall said it was perhaps best for Smith and Rovers that he had decided on Melbourne over Wellington. "Charlie would have inevitably called for a late night but would of course slipped away early in the evening" said Hall "that would have left me and George out on the town at a time when our training regimes mean we should be taking it quietly". Hall said with Pompey finishing lower in their respective league than the Saints, Smith had lost a bet and would have to wear a Southampton shirt for a day. "We reckon he'll renege on the bet" suggested Hall "but we're sure the pictures will be published on the blog if we ever get our hands on them".

Semi-Final Team Named

Eddie Hussey, Craig Candy and Matt Cantwell return to the Rovers line-up for the semi-final against Rothenbury Rangers at high noon on Monday. "There is no time to lick our wounds after defeat" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall (pictured) "if we're going to get another crack at Hayden's Whores then we have to get past Rothenbury to get there". Hall said there were no prizes for losing a semi-final and Rovers wouldn't have an easy passage to the final after a tough game last time up against Rothenbury. "These guys shoot on site and they will score with shots from their own half if they're given a half chance". Hall said he hoped the combination of Hussey and Cao would firm up the defence in the absence of Ben White. "Ben and Eddie have a good understanding and we really missed that in the last match with both of them out injured" said Hall "but the semi-final line up looks strong on paper so I think we'll be very competitive".

Deflection

Zephyr Manager Steve Hall said an early start this morning was worthwhile as he closely studied the Champions League final tactics but was deflecting requests for comments on the result. "I think what I learned was you should try and get a deflection off a free kick" said Hall "I've seen Col pull this trick off from a corner and maybe it is worth a try from out in front". Hall said the best thing about the game was the big breakfast offered at the establishment he watched the game at. "I can tell you after knocking back the bacon. sausage and eggs" said Hall "there was no need for lunch". Hall said he was so intent on observing the tactics that he'd completely forgotten who won, but didn't wish to revisit the matter either. "The Rovers semi-final has been announced for Shed 6 at noon on Monday and I can only look forward" said Hall "although I can say that teams called Liverpool haven't done that well this week".

Rovers Licked

Hayden's Whores licked Rovers today at the Shed of Dreams as they clinically took a depleted Rovers team to the cleaners. "We lost Craig Candy just two hours before kick off to a mystery ailment which was a blow" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall "but we again didn't get the defence sorted in the first five minutes despite my emphasis on this before the game, and we were three nil down before we woke up". Hall said there was little doubt that the unavailability of Hussey and White had impacted on the defence as none of the other players were natural defenders, but he was grateful that Rob Purcell had stood in at short notice. "We might have had a chance with Craig or Matty playing" confessed Hall "but make no mistake these Whores (not pictured) will take some beating and we'd have to be at our very best to give them a game". Hall said Rovers now had the tougher of the semi-finals against Rothenbury. "We'll look to strengthen the line up if possible" said Hall "but it isn't going to be easy from here unless we sort the defensive issues out". Hall said every team could be beaten and he was looking forward to seeing how Kaka (pictured) would deal with defeat against Liverpool tomorrow morning.

Final: Rovers 3 Whores 7

Top Of The Table Clash

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall (pictured) admitted there were a few nerves in the squad for the top of the table clash tomorrow with Hayden's Whores. "These guys have won all there games apart from one draw" said Hall "so they qualify top for the semi's if they win this one". The match will kick off at Shed 1 at 1 pm and is the first time the two sides have met in the competition. "The way the draw has worked out means we only play them once and in the last round" said Hall "and although both teams have qualified for the semi-final there will be some jostling for position particularly as this may yet be the two teams in the final". Hall said that although he has lost Hussey and White at the heart of the defence there were plenty of attacking possibilities. "We're hoping Craig Candy will bring us another dimension providing he remembers his gear" said Hall "and Pete Roberts can be relied on to do the unexpected". Hall said that whilst the primary focus was on the semi-final he was optimistic Rovers would take it to the Whores tomorrow.

Pompey Go With Canterbury

Zephyr Rovers Australian Recruitment Scout Charlie Smith (pictured) issued a stern "No Comment" this morning on learning that his beloved Pompey were switching to rugby gear made by Canterbury of New Zealand. "Pompey are calling it space age technology and putting a nice spin on it" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "but we all know Pompey are wearing rugby shirts next season and Charlie I know is privately gutted". Pompey have declined to show the public the new shirts until after the rugby world cup but insiders say they'll need to put a few bigger lads in the team next year to fill out the shirts. "There have been a few rumours that Charlie is being hired as a model and that is behind his hurried trip to Wellington" said Hall "he certainly seems to be keeping mum about why he is coming back from Perth so soon after his departure".

Kiss Off Says Ref To Hall

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall was sin binned today for two minutes after offering the referee some encouragement to sin bin a Liverpool Kiss players who continually took people out off the ball. "The referee obviously misheard me and though I was volunteering for a sin bin myself" said Hall "although he finally noticed five infringements by the opposition and gave us a penalty towards the end". The fixture against previously unbeaten Liverpool Kiss was always going to be a tough match and got a bit tougher when Rovers quickly went two down in the early stages. "I put Pete Roberts at right back and he was a bit lost in the opening minutes" said Hall "after he lost his player for the second Kiss goal he was heard to ask who the right back was, and I reminded him it was him".

Rovers climbed back into the game although Hall was regularly peppered in the Rovers goal. "They were getting a few shots in and they had about ten corners in the first seven minutes" said Hall "but gradually we started to close them down and we got most of the territory and possession as the game went on". Rovers though were still behind with four minutes to go as the tightly packed Kiss defence tried every tactic to keep Rovers out. "Matty put us level with four to go and then put us one up with a penalty with a couple of minutes left" reported Hall "and then with a few seconds to go Col (pictured) calmly slotted a seventh and we were home and hosed". Hall said McIntosh's cool finishing continued to provide inspiration for the team. "He's becoming a legend in his own lunch time" said Hall.

Final: Rovers 7 Liverpool Kiss 5

Kiss In Shed 6

Zephyr Rovers Supporters Club President Liz Pollock said the fans would be out in force as Rovers faced two tough matches this week starting with Liverpool Kiss tomorrow in Shed 6. "Obviously we'll be expecting a record crowd down at the Shed" said Pollock "it might even reach double figures if we pull out all the stops". Pollock said the supporters were looking forward to the semi-final which Rovers had already qualified for. "This week is an indicator of where we stand in Division 3" said Pollock "but we all know the acid goes on the following week when it reaches the knock out stage". Pollock said as a fan of Spurs she knew what it was like to have heartache as a supporter. "Spurs aren't quite as successful as Rovers in recent years" said Pollock "and that's why it is all the more important to me that Rovers take another trophy". Rovers play Liverpool Kiss tomorrow at noon.

We're Ready

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall (pictured) today said the Rovers squad was ready for a big week of football starting with the Cup Final at Wembley this evening. "I'm thinking the cup final at the Shed 1 of the North will provide inspiration for our squad who have two big games next week" said Hall "except for course George Nash who will no doubt be watching the other game north of the border". Hall said Rovers playing two games in three days would be a big test of mental fortitude as well as the physical aspects. "I know a finally tuned athlete like myself will barely notice" said Hall "but I'm not sure whether George will be looking too flash on Wednesday night, assuming his ribs hold out". Hall said he'd scored two goals in outdoor football today which was a good warm up for the indoor matches. "I'll be starting in goal for Rovers" said Hall "but it doesn't hurt to have been in goal scoring form as I may have to rescue the lads yet".

Rich and Famous?

"When the going gets tough, the tough go on holiday" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall on the news that Steve Boxall would be missing both the matches for Zephyr Rovers next week. "Steve is either swanning around in front of cameras or cruising around the islands" said Hall "I think he is the first squad member to acquire a professional footballers lifestyle whilst hardly ever actually playing football". Hall said that despite the injury to Ben White and Boxall's unavailability, Rovers had a strong looking team going into Monday's game against Liverpool Kiss. "I know the other Liverpool have a big match against Milan next week" said Hall "and hopefully there will only be one Liverpool team winning next week and they won't be called Kiss". Hall said coincidentally he once played for a team called Kiss himself "I played a season many years ago for Knox Invincible Super Stars" said Hall " also known as KISS United".

Nashing At The Teeth

George Nash (pictured) today confirmed today that he was keen to retain the goalkeeping job on the return of Manager Steve Hall to the team next week. "I think the world hasn't seen the best of Scottish goalkeepers and I'm quite keen to turn that around" said Nash "I think I've been doing quite well playing with stuffed ribs and I might even play better when they are healed". Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he welcomed competition in the squad and would consider carefully whether to continue to play Nash in the role next week. "It's admirable that George is keen to continue in the role and he is certainly doing better in the job than Charlie Smith was when he had a spell at the job" said Hall "and I think with a bit more time between the sticks he might shape up into a keeper for the final series". Hall said at this stage he'd welcome some time back in the outfield but the finals starting position would be based strictly on merit. "Once we get to the business end of the season" said Hall "it's the strongest line up we want on the park, so the two games next week are very much selection matches for the finals line ups".

The Candy Man Can

Zephyr Rovers today took on Solnet at the Shed of Dreams under the guidance of acting Manager George Nash, and on the playing side showing off the Brazilian skills of Craig Candy (pictured) on debut. "We had a bit of a new look about us today and as per usual we had a little bit of sorting out to do with team tactics" said Nash "but we knew it was a big day for Pete Roberts as he is a former Solnet player". Nash said the first half was pretty tight and things got interesting when Pete Roberts was given a two minute sin bin for an air shot which the referee concluded was aimed at a Solnet player".

Half time and it was a slender 5 - 3 lead to Rovers before a half time reorganisation saw Cao and Boxall in the key defensive roles and the second half proved one way traffic as Rovers over ran the Solnet team with superb Rovers team work and sublime individual skills. "We know what the regulars can do but the new boys of Candy and Roberts were putting on some champagne football in the second spell" said Nash "and the regulars were chiming in with a few good goals themselves". Solnet were swamped ultimately by nine second half goals to one before Rovers ran out as clear winners. "We're looking good for the two tough matches next week and we've got a strong squad for the finals rounds" said Nash "but we're not getting carried away as we know there is a lot of hard work to go before we see the trophy in the Zephyr Boardroom".

Final Score: Rovers 14 Solnet 4

White Out For Weeks

Ben White confirmed to day he was seeking medical advice after sustaining an injury on Saturday playing for a minor outdoor league team. "I'm the star of that team as well" confessed White (pictured) "and I don't know what they'll do without me". Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said White's contribution would be missed. "Obviously having Ben down is a loss to the side as he is a key player" said Hall "but I'm beginning to wonder if he shouldn't be starring in one of Steve Boxall's TV commercials as he certainly has a star complex".

Hall said however Craig Candy might be able to assist fill the hole left by White. Recent talks between Hall and Candy went well into the night in Auckland to convince Candy to make a debut for the club. "I think Craig said it was about my turn to buy a round and I think he's banking on a beer or two for match fees" said Hall "but I've learnt a thing or two from George Nash in this area and I describe myself as quite canny in these days". Hall said he'd be wanting Candy to play like a Brazilian "I hear the lad can do a thing or two with a football" advised Hall "he's sort of a younger version of Mystery Matt".

Candy O

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confirmed today a changed line up for Zephyr Rovers against Solnet on Wednesday. "I couldn't find a Brazilian so I had another chat to Craig Candy about playing" said Hall "he's rumoured to have skills like a Brazilian and I know The Cars named an album after him (pictured)". Hall said that with key defenders Eddie Hussey and Ben White unavailable, the formally rock steady defence might be looking a bit more dodgy than usual. "I thought we were already at a disadvantage without me playing in goal" said Hall "but with Ben White pulling out today with injury we've lost all three of the regular defenders". Hall said fortunately Rovers weren't without adequate replacements. "We're becoming the club that everyone wants on their football CV" said Hall "and I'm picking we'll have too much for Solnet in this fixture".

No Hussey

Eddie Hussey is one of three key Zephyr Rovers players in doubt for this weeks match against Solnet. "I'm not able to make the match this week and Eddie is out as well" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "but Ben and Colin may well be late as well so we'll again be looking at a makeshift starting line up". Hall said it was always difficult to get a pattern going with players coming in and out of the squad and Solnet were bound to take some encouragement from the changes in line up. "The good thing is we've got some good players on the fringes and we should still be able to field a reasonable team this week" said Hall "so even if Ben and Col are a few minutes late I'm confident we're still in with a good chance". Hall said with two games the following week the squad game became all the more important. "We're at the business end of the season shortly" said Hall "and we're going to need some players to call on who can fit into the side if the regulars aren't available".

Roberts Recalled

Former Solnet player Pete Roberts has been recalled to the Rovers squad for Wednesdays match against Solnet. "Pete always likes a chance to play against his old club so I brought him into the squad for this match" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "we can only hope he lasts longer than the one minute he survived in the first match against Solnet". Hall ruled out a grudge by the Solnet net team against Roberts as media sensationalism. "I thing the press has made a lot out of the fact that Pete got a dead leg in the last match that was still bruised about a month later" said Hall "but I'm sure the knee he copped was just an accident and I really doubt he'll get a knee in the same spot this time". Hall said Roberts bought valuable experience to the Rovers squad. "He has this uncanny ability to feint one way and fool everyone on the park including himself" said Hall.

No Brazilians

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confessed this afternoon that he had not signed any Brazilians on his recent trip to Auckland. "I have to admit I didn't even see a Brazilian" said Hall "it turned out the place was full of Aucklanders, and as we know they haven't got the spine up there for competitive indoor football at the Shed". Hall said that fortunately he had a Plan B and would be talking to George Nash about changing his name to Nasho. "We already have a Cao" said Hall "and if we had a Nasho in the team we'd at least sound like we had a couple of Brazilians and this would put the fear of God into the other teams". Hall said he didn't think McIntosho or Husseyo really sounded quite right although Georgio could work. "I think we could go places if Goerge played like Ronaldinho" said Hall "but I think he's got a few skills to polish before he gets there".

Smith To Visit Wellington

Former Rovers player and Australian Scout Charles Smith is to return on a visit to Wellington in the near future. "No sooner had he hopped on the lane to Perth than he is coming back for a visit" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "which will probably mean a night out having a few drinks and another farewell". Hall said he didn't think Smith would be able to have a game for the Rovers whilst he was in Wellington as he was rumoured to have lost a bit of condition since his days in the Rovers line up. "The lad was never the most athletic in the team even when he played in goal" said Hall "I'm not sure he would stand up to the rigours of Division 3". Hall said Smith had yet to advise how long the visit would take or when he would arrive.

Rovers March On

A makeshift Zephyr Rovers were too good today for TFT United in the Division three fixture at Shed 6. "We had a couple of new boys Nigel and Dave playing as well as Pete Roberts who has had the odd game for us previously". Nash said the team struggled a bit in the first half and yet again the shape was lost with all the new players trying to find a combination" said Nash "and frankly my goal keeping kept us in it in that first half". Nash said that as is so often the case, Rovers lifted in the second half and notwithstanding it stayed close throughout, Rovers were good value for a two goal win. "This was a tight one" said Nash "tighter even than your average Scotsmen on a pub crawl". John Cao (pictured) nominated George Nash as player of the day. "He showed courage to play with his stuffed ribs" said Cao "and he even made the odd impressive save". Main Rivals Hayden's Whore drew with Liverpool Kiss to leave Rovers top of the table.

Rovers 5 TFT 3

Four Regulars Out

With Manager Steve Hall in Auckland looking for South American talent, George Nash (pictured with team sponsor Graeme McInteer) will take over as Caretaker Manager for the fixture against TFT at Shed 6 tomorrow. "We've got four regular players out for this match and I've got pretty sore ribs" said George "but we've identified some quality players to step in for the day and keep our championship hopes on track". Nash said Hussey and Cao would have to go the extra mile as the only two regular players left in the squad for this match. "We'll have to introduce the team to each other before the match" said Nash "but I imagine with my management we'll get there and stay at the right end of the table". From Auckland, Steve Hall said he was hopeful that the Rovers would keep the winning streak going. "They lost ten nil last time I didn't play, so really it has to be all up hill from there".

Cracked Ribs

George Nash (pictured) discovered over the weekend that he had cracked his ribs in the last match against Rothenbury Rangers. "It's fitting really that George should crack his ribs playing against Rangers" said Zephyr Manager Steve Hall "as all teams called Rangers seem to be able to put it about a bit". Hall said he wasn't listening to protests from Nash that he should be stood down from the game on Wednesday in Shed 6. "I don't know if George is made of the right stuff" said Hall "one little whack in the ribs and he is running for cover". Hall said Nash would have to play in goal if he couldn't run round in the out field. "We're not a team of Big Jessies" said Hall "and besides we don't have high expectations when we put a Scotsman in goal".

Hall Seeks South Americans

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall (pictured) admitted today that he was heading out of Wellington airport tomorrow to have a look for South American players. "Rikki Herbert has just signed a Brazilian player for his team and is reported to be looking at another three" said Hall "and if Rovers are to stay up with the elite clubs in Wellington, then we might need a Brazilian or two in the squad ourselves". Hall said he couldn't afford to go to South America so would instead spend a couple of days in Auckland. "Those Jafas can look quite exotic" said Hall "and you never know in Auckland who you might find down a dark alley kicking balls against a wall". Hall said this was the sort of talent search he though the club should be doing more of. "I'm thinking of going to Surfers later in the year to look for a Peruvian or two".

Boxall Plays Down Film Career

Rovers player Steve Boxall said today he was committed to playing for Rovers if his career as a film star didn't make him a fortune. Boxall said he was hopeful of getting a call from Hollywood if his commercial went well. "You only get so many shots at the big time" said Boxall "and I'm quite keen to do a big budget film with a big name actress and make a few million". Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said Boxall's ambition was commendable and if he put as much focus on his football career the Rovers have as good as won the league. "I'm not one to begrudge Steve a bit of the limelight, I know I can't have all of it myself all the time" said Hall "but we're hoping he won't forget his roots when he heads to Hollywood". Boxall said he'd be taking three or four hours to put his make up on on Wednesday and couldn't play football in case his face cracked. "I don't get these rugged goods looks without a bit of help" said Boxall "it all starts with a good foundation and requires hours of construction".

Film Star Boxall

Steve Boxall today confessed that he was unavailable to play in the Rovers next match as he was "filming a commercial all day". Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he thought he'd heard it all before Boxall came up with his reason for not being available for the Rovers match against TFT on Wednesday at Shed 6. "I know there ar a few players in the team who fancy themselves in front of the camera and Eddie Hussey is even something of an exhibitionist" said Hall "but let's face it, you can film on days other than match day". Hall said it was ironic that whilst television cameras had been notably absent from Rovers matches, that they were now distracting players from playing in matches. "It realy is a bit rich" said Hall "the cameras could have filmed Steve at the game and frankly they'd have got a better commercial out of it". With Hall and McIntosh also unavailable, the team may be looking to bring in some new blood for the fixture.

Hussey Denys Zoo Claim

Zephyr Rovers defender Eddie Hussey today denied reports attributed to Zephyr Rovers Chairman George Nash that he was at the zoo looking for a girlfriend. "As George well knows I was actually out on a date at the zoo" said Hussey "and I left with the same girl I arrived with". Chairman Nash said he'd been misquoted by the media and he had never intended to cast aspersions on Hussey's choice of date. "I think it is clear I would never have implied that Eddie was at the zoo looking for a date and I deny that emphatically" said Nash "and frankly it is none of my business if Eddie chooses a romantic interlude with the monkeys and tigers". Nash said that whilst he had himself occasionally been lost in the grass he had never been a big game enthusiast.

Rovers Roger Rangers

Zephyr Rovers today officially rolled out the new club shirts and shorts for their clash against high flying Rothenbury Rangers at the Shed of Dreams. "I think it looks quite flash" said Chairman George Nash although it certainly makes Ben's socks stand out". The game itself featured third placed Rothenbury against top of the table Rovers and started as a high scoring game with both sides pounding each others goals to go in 5 - 5 at the half time break. "They had some guys who could whack the ball from long range and we were caught a bit asleep by that at times" said Manager Hall "but thankfully we kept knocking them in to stay in touch". The half time team talk identified problems with maintaining the shape particularly at the interchange, and Rovers went out with renewed vigour in the second half. "We scored first in that second half when Col scored a goal virtually from the corner flag" said Hall "I'm still not sure how he managed to squeeze that one in but it really set us off to a flier". The second half was much better controlled and Hall said Rovers had gained an ascendancy by mid way through the half. "We've still got another cog to go and were rusty at times" said Hall "but we tend to grind teams down and it was a good team performance".

Final Score: Rovers 10 Rangers 7

New Kit Launched

George Nash and Colin McIntosh today proudly modelled the new Zephyr Rovers kit that will be launched tomorrow with the match against Rothenbury Rangers. "We needed to spruce up the image for the new sponsor" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "and so we moved to the silver and black strip to be in line with our sponsors colours". Hall said there had been a small hitch with the socks though. "We ordered silver socks and ended up with green ones" said Hall "so they're going back to the shop and it might take a week or two to get the new ones". Hall said that it would be the first time Rovers had had official shorts. The match will be at the Shed of Dreams at 1 pm and Hall said he'd be playing a strong line up to try and cemnet a top four position.