A goalless draw at the Bauvill was enough for Rochester United to secure their spot in the post season play-offs.
Antonio Gonnella’s side knew a win against the Spartans would still have the upper hand over title rivals AFC Greenwich Borough. Rochester United knew a point would be enough to secure their spot in the play offs but knew today wouldn’t be easy.
It only took a matter of minutes before Dons had their first chance of the game with Joedon Gugas-Cowin shoots narrowly wide. While Dons had plenty of the ball in the first 15 minutes the Spartans defence was only allowing Dons half chances.
The offside flag came to Rochester’s rescue when Femi Akinwande thought he had beat the offside trap to go through on goal and tapped home but the official raised his flag.
Rochester United tried their luck around the half hour when both Liam Wilkins and Luke Adams tried their luck from distance, first went way above the stand and the latter George Kamurasi saved comfortably.
Andre Coker had a huge chance for Dons just before the interval with a tricky run, Watkins saved well, before the ball fell back to Coker and the Spartans defence defended well and clear.
Dons 0-0 Spartans at HT.
The second half started in unfortunate circumstances with a tackle on Dons defender Aaron Reber which sadly forced him off and could potentially end his season. Wishing him well with his recovery.
Rochester’s Hitcham Ahkazzam had a great strike on goal from about 25 yards out but the Dons skipper watched it fly over the bar.
Dons rallied on the pressure to try and break down the Rochester defence but was starting to get frustrated after numerous half chances until a big chance near the end which at least 4 of the Dons front line had at least a shot on goal. But the experienced Luke Watkins in goal and the Spartans defence did well to stop the leaders grabbing the winner.
After 10 minutes added on by the official, the referee blew to end the game and it finished goalless.
Michael Betts probably the happier of the two managers as the point secures Rochester United’s spot in the play offs. Antonio Gonnella must be thinking how did they not score.
The result leaves Dons on top by a point but Borough do have a game in hand of the leaders, this is going to be an interesting end of the season if you’re a Dons or Borough fan.
SE Dons: George Kumurasi (C), Aaron Reber (Ryan Palmer 49’), Michael Kamara, Reece Barrett, Pat McKay, Dominic Morgan-Griffiths ( Zak Ansah 73’), Billy Crook, Walter Figueira, Joedon Gugas-Cowin ( Eric De Melo 63’), Femi Aminwande, Andre Coker (Joshua Bohui 63’).
Sub not used: Jake Rose.
Rochester United: Luke Watkins, Tom Loynes, Daniel Lott, Jack Bray (Lucas Payne 63’), Tony Whitaker (C), Will Currie, Liam Wilkins, Luke Adams, Zack Jakkubowski (Luke Medley 73’), Mack Reilly, Hicham Akhazzam.
Subs not used: Fred Obama, Max Cutler, Thomas Ngegba.
Attendance – 412