After the impressive mauling of Colne United the previous week, the Rolls management team were looking for that to continue going into this fixture with a largely unchanged team.

Rolls started the game well and instantly Polonia’s game plan was evident, putting 11 players behind the ball and being disciplined when Rolls shifted the ball side to side, making it hard for Rolls to break down their opponents.

Whilst Rolls generally like to play good football and keep the ball on the ground, with Polonia keeping their defensive line high, the hosts were finding the ball over the top was the recipe to success and this led to their first chance of the game after 10 minutes. A clip into the channel, saw the in-form Kuda Chingwaro race in behind only to be hauled down by the visitors last man, the referee played advantage but then decided the challenge not to warrant a card of any colour, to the amazement of the home side. In any case, Rolls didn’t have to wait long to break the deadlock and little more than 5 minutes later, they were ahead. Spencer Jordan shifted the ball to Ben Whittaker who played a precise through ball to Chingwaro, who’s first touch created himself a yard of space before he fired across the keeper into the far corner to make it 6 goals in 2 appearances for the frontman.

It wasn’t long before Rolls doubled their lead. Another clip into the channel this time allowed Nathan Taylforth to race onto the through ball, who similarly finished into the far corner, despite tweaking his hamstring whilst baring down on goal! Rolls 2-0 to the good.

The Rolls backline were organised superbly and the rare time the visitors did get forward, they were reduced to shots from distance or were met by a block or tackle from the outstanding Luke Cockcroft. The only disappointment of the first half was that Rolls weren’t leading by more goals at half time. 2-0 Rolls and seemingly in cruise control.

In a game of football a score line of 2-0 is never game over and the second half performance of Polina made sure it was a great spectacle for the watching crowd.

The visitors changed their approach in the second half, looking to press the ball higher up the pitch and putting the home side under increasing pressure when in possession. Rolls were rattled by Polina’s approach, losing their shape, discipline and composure in possession. Despite being under the cosh for the start of the second period, it was Rolls who got the next goal in the contest, one which many would’ve thought would clinch the 3-points.

The visitors allowed a long-ball to bounce on the edge of their own box and the Rolls front man Chingwaro was onto it in a flash, out-muscling a Polonia defender before skipping past 2 players and deftly lifting the ball over the on-rushing keeper to make it 3-0 Rolls.

Polonia continued to put the home side under pressure without really creating any clear cut chances, primarily as a result of the hard working Rolls back line and midfield. However, with 27 minutes remaining, a routine ball over the top left the home side napping and with the visitors centre forward baring down on goal, Benji Cocker clattered the centre forward and the away side were handed a life line from the penalty spot, which was duly converted.

Rolls were now up against it and looked like they were the team that needed the full time whistle and Polonia’s impressive number 99 was beginning to cause problems for the home-side. With 10 minutes to go, the task of seeing the game through was made harder for Rolls, when Charlie Whiteoak was dismissed for 2 yellow cards in quick succession and at this point the contest threatened to boil over!

Rolls were efficiently managing the game however, with minutes remaining Polonia set up a grandstand finish, when a Rolls defender was caught in possession, the visitors winger played an inviting ball across the face of goal which was converted at the back post. 3-2.

Despite continued pressure from the away side in injury time, Rolls hung on to make it 2 wins on the spin.

The first team look to continue their improving start with a home fixture against Poppy Mai on Saturday with a 2pm kick off.

Rolls FC

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