Stunning Start

Zephyr Rovers opened their Division 1 campaign with a thrashing of Don Logan FC at the Shed of Dreams this afternoon. "I think it is stunning that with so many players out we can still field a strong team and beat a team that has previously given us a lesson or two" said Hall "we took them to the cleaners in the first spell and it was amazing to be 7 - 0 up at half time, even though Pete Roberts (pictured) had a gammy leg". Hall said Dan Lee slotted in very well at left back and scored a few long range goals in the first half. "We had threat all over the park from Matt and Pete up front to John and Dan at the back" said Hall "but we also looked very steady at the back and they didn't get much of a look in". Hall said Rovers kept the heat on for the first part of the second half and were at one point and got out to 10 - 0. "We then brought Glen on for a run and with the chnages in position we lost a bit of tempo" said Hall "but we were going well until the last two minutes when we let them have three unanswered goals". Hall said it didn't matter due to the lead but Rovers would have to go to the end if they were to beat the top teams. "One win doesn't amke a season" said Hall "and if the boys don't pay up we're not going to get the ten competition points either which will make it tough".

Final: Rovers 12 Don Logan FC 5

Burn Out

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said several players including Nigel Burn (pictured) were unavailable for the opening fixture of the Division 1 season against Don Logan FC at the Shed of Dreams. "We've lost Nigel, Eddie, Jamie, George and possibly Ben" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall "those guys would make a pretty strong team all by themselves so we're going to see how good our squad depth is right from the first match". Hall said with Pete Roberts also having a dodgy knee, Rovers would be down to the bare five. "I might have to get Glen back in as cover as he did pretty well last week" said Hall " and we can always use Pete in goal if it gets really desperate". Hall said he hadn't forgotten that Don Logan FC beat Rovers 9 - 4 last season before Rovers beat them in the final by 9 - 6. "We've had two very good tussles against them and I guess you could say they're winning on aggregate" said Hall "but also we won the one that mattered so they're the ones who have something to prove".

Mystery Out Of His Shell

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall indicated this afternoon that bringing Mystery Matt Cantwell out of his shell would be a key to doing well in the coming season. "He can be a bit shy and reserved although I think he likes his football to do the talking" said Hall "but really we don't want him wearing his shirt over his head too often as he might forget where the goal is and who knows hew might fire goals past me". Hall said it was important to use the skills of Cantwell in the opposing half off the field. "I saw Matty play for two or three minutes in goal last week and I can tell you he is no Gordan Banks" said Hall "and just quietly he won't be regularly at the heart of our defence even if he does play sweeper for his eleven a side team". Organisation is all important in this league and putting Matty up front is one of the easier team selections I make each week" explained Hall "he makes me nervous when he gets the ball right in front of my goal".

Squad Rotation

With Zephyr Rovers now confirmed as a Division 1 side again, manager Steve Hall says Rovers are better placed than previously to do well in the big time. "We have a bigger stronger squad than last time around" said Hall "but we're going to need a bit of squad rotation as several players are heading off overseas for stints and ensuring we have a team out some weeks will be a challenge". Hall said four Friday games would be interesting as we know Friday lunch time is a popular networking time. "It's not uncommon for a football manager to go scouting on a Friday" said Hall "and it is certainly and opportunity to discuss tactics with interested parties although there not as many interested parties as I'd like". Hall said ensuring you get a squad on the park is an important dimension of of indoor football. "You could have the best five players in New Zealand in your squad but if they can never play you're stuffed" said Hall "we have a good talent base and the two key factors this season in doing well will be playing to our potential and getting a team to the game".

Harp Shooters Shot Down

The late arrival of Mystery Matt Cantwell at half time did not dent the enthusiasm of the Rovers team as they took on the Harp Shooters in the Shed of Dreams today. "We drafted in Glen Rhodes (pictured) for the first half and he did pretty well scoring two of our goals" said Hall "and we were looking very strong defensively with both Eddie and Ben in the line up, although we gave Eddie a treat and played him up the park for quite a bit of the half". Hal said Rovers controlled the game defensively and he had very little to do in goal for the whole match. "It's great when the defence in front of you gives virtually no chances" said Hall "so it was just a matter of time before we found a way through their defence although it was never going to be a high scoring game". Hall said the arrival of Cantwell added another dimension and he performed his usual section of mazey dribbles. "He dribbles so much I worry they'll never be able to clean the court up later" said Hall "but we're getting him trained to a pass it every now and again and it provides that nice little surprise element" Hall said it was his third ever clean sheet in this match and going into a Division 1 campaign with the defence operating so well was a bonus. "We've tightened up ever since we got a lesson by Hayden's" said hall "although we'll no doubt see those guys in the guise of Els Gaye before long".

Final: Rovers 5 Harp Shooters 0

White Back In The Fold

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said it would be great to have Ben White back in the team for the fixture tomorrow against Harp Shooters at the Shed of Dreams. "Ben was a stalwart of this team for several seasons before getting injured and having all of last season off" said Hall "and I'm sure we'll benefit not only from his defensive qualities this season but his ability to get forward and ping a hard shot in from distance". Hall said beating Harp Shooters would certainly confirm a return to Division 1 for Rovers. "If we can beat three Division 1 team in the grading game than I'm pretty sure we'll be a threat in Division 1" said Hall "not withstanding you can't afford to have too many off days in that division". Hall said several players would rest tomorrow due to niggling injuries but Rovers now had a squad that could cope with some key players being rested. "We've got strength across the whole squad and having depth is a key to consistency in Division 1" said Hall "so I think with the balance we have now and the experience we'll be competitive".

No Comment On Nash Voice Change

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall would neither confirm nor deny media reports the Chairman George Nash was speaking in a very high voice after his operation yesterday. "I always thought he spoke a bit funny anyway" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall "but we're not going to let the media dine out on what is essentially a private matter and George will be back even if he does squeak like a mouse or a squirrel". Hall was confident Nash would make a full recovery. "He told me a few days back he was expecting to play better after he was fixed up" said Hall "but we're taking that one cautiously and I'm not expecting the second coming Maradona or anything at this stage". Hall said was certain that if Nash could squeak for the ball then he'd still have a chance Matty Cantwell would pass it to him but "he shouldn't expect to much over the first few months back".