Love goal saves Rovers from heartbreak

Herts Senior County League Premier Division

Knebworth 1 Sandridge Rovers 1

STUART Love scored late on to hand Sandridge Rovers a point at Knebworth on Saturday in the Herts Senior County League.

Rovers boss Bob Fowler was disenchanted with the way his side spurned opportunities in the first half and felt in the end a point was the best they deserved. He said: "It was a poor performance. We should have been three up at half time with opportunities that we let slip yet again. They came out in the second half and were the better side."

Knebworth took the lead with just 12 minutes remaining and the goal suddenly sparked Sandridge into life. Ryan Denys burst away from three players and was felled in the box but Love stepped up and failed to convert the spot kick.

Rovers kept battling and, with time running out, substitute Chris Wickens made his considerable presence felt and Love crashed the ball into the top corner for 1-1. Fowler said: "Lovey redeemed himself. We only just deserved a point out of the game. Chris Wickens will be given the number nine shirt on Saturday. We launched him into action in the second half at Knebworth and he caused problems because he puts defenders under so much pressure."

Rovers face a tough away trip to Bedmond Sports and Social on Saturday and Fowler knows the game is vital for his team. He said: "It is a massive game. If I don't get what I want this weekend then there will have to be changes. We are in a dogfight."

Talented youngster Ali Kabba scored twice for Sandridge Rovers Reserves on Saturday against Wodson Park FC Reserves in Reserve Division Two. Fowler said: "Ali is a tremendous talent. He has been plagued with an ankle injury but I wasn't surprised that he scored two goals. He kills a ball stone dead from anywhere and just needs to put a bit of physical presence to him.