'A new era for Dunkeswell football': The Rovers kick things off with a win at their new home

Dunkeswell Rovers 3 - 1 Pinhoe FC

ï¸Josh Cann

Man of the Match: Jordan Stickland

Match Day Sponsor: Meads Builders

Yesterday was the start of a new era for Dunkeswell football; our first league game at our new home, and the lads put in a winning performance to claim the first 3 points won at Green Lane!

There were some pre-match discussions between the referee and opposition due to the bottom of the pitch being slightly squelchy, but thankfully it was deemed safe and the game went ahead.

Dunks opted to play into the sun during the first half as it was a cold but very sunny afternoon, with plenty of supporters wrapping up and coming over to Green Lane for the first time.

It's wasn't the quickest start from either side, both teams trying to get the ball down and pass the ball about on the flat surface, but Dunks looked the more threatening going forward, and it was Brad Morris who was the first on the score sheet after lobbing the Pinhoe Keeper to make it 1-0.

There were no more goals before half time, but it wasn't through lack of trying, Dunks looked especially dangerous through set pieces with Joby Mabutt delivering some very inviting corners, and Louis Grant hitting the target on a couple of occasions but agonisingly Pinhoe managed to keep the ball out of the net until half time.

After a lovely mug of tea from the tea room at half time, Dunks head out to finish the job, and it wasn't long before it was 2-0 after a Pinhoe clearance fell to the feet of Josh Cann who slotted cooly home for his first competitive goal back in a Dunks shirt.

Dunks Keeper Chris Palfrey didn't have much to do, so you can imagine his frustration after a very good shot from outside the area, just edged past his finger tips and into the net to get Pinhoe on the score sheet, but also deny Palfrey his first clean sheet at Green Lane.

It was Dunks who had the final say tho, and after a blistering run down the wing from Jordan Travers, who caused problems for Pinhoe all day down the left hand side, squared to striker Brad Morris who slotted home for his brace.

The three subs that came on in Jake Pullman, Matt Woollacott and Rob Williams all made an impact, causing Pinhoe fresh problems, and was enough to close out the game and finish the job.

Man of the Match this week sponsored by Meads Builders goes to Jordan Stickland, who worked tirelessly all afternoon, causing Pinhoe plenty of issues and was unlucky to not get himself on the score sheet.

But also a mention must go to Joby Mabutt who's name came up plenty of times when trying to decide Man of the Match, Joby played exceptionally well, and we feel lucky to have such a young talent in the squad.

It was an incredible afternoon for the club, a great turn out from supporters and locals, these really are exciting times for Dunkeswell Rovers!

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who have been putting in hours up at the club to get us up and running today, what a set up we have!

Next week we are home again as we welcome Halwill to Green Lane for a 2.15pm kick off.

UP THE ROVERS!