Melchester Rovers opened their Premier League defence with an awesome

display of attacking football that demonstrated to Barmouth the standards

they must aspire to if they are to avoid an immediate return to the
Championship.

Rovers immediately picked up where they left off at the end of last season, registering their
8th straight Premier League win.

Rovers scored through Danny Luik, in a more attacking midfield role replacing the departed
Drew Powell, though his goal was largely the result of a goalkeeping error. And the game
was effectively over as a contest seven minutes later when Marco De Loon doubled his
team's lead.

Yet after establishing an early lead, Rovers' finishing was at times poor and they gave the
impression of a team content to play out the match in second gear. Manager Johan Seegrun
has made no secret of his desire to add to his attacking options and this display will do little
to change his mind.

Even so, Mario Bertini's team were second-class in all departments and Rovers new
goalkeeper Santiago Tomillo of Argentina was a spectator for large chunks of the match. And
Barmouth's afternoon took a further turn for the worse when debutant Francisco Lopez was
sent-off after 74 minutes.

The Dragons desperately need Noel Dread - suspended for this match - to add some bite to
midfield and injured new signing Basti Gomez to provide some panache up front.

Barmouth made a daunting task even more difficult when Fabien Lenkiewicz's error led to
Luik's opening goal.

Barmouth's Polish international keeper dived to his right, but inexplicably failed to hold Luik's
tame long-range free kick.

Jake Cheetham almost doubled the Champions' lead seven minutes later when he
connected from short range with De Loon's low driven cross from the right, but Lenkiewicz
blocked his effort.

Barmouth striker Lopez did have a sight of goal midway through the first half when Lucas
Cleary sliced a clearance, but he volleyed his shot wide. And minutes later Melchester's
irresistible combination of direct running and one-touch football led to their second goal.
Fabrizio Falconi - on his Dragons debut - fatally backed off as De Loon ran at the Barmouth
defence and the Dutch forward swept the ball past Lenkiewicz from the edge of the area.
Cheetham, Richie Lyons and James Carruthers all went close before the break as Rovers
attacked almost at will. And the Champions proceeded to carve the Barmouth defence open
at the start of the second half.

De Loon shot wide after 46 minutes, Falconi cleared with Harry Jacobs lurking and
Lenkiewicz brilliantly denied Cheetham as Rovers went in search of a third goal.
Lopez forced a save from Tomillo after 62 minutes as Barmouth started to enjoy more of the
possession - but Cleary and Cheetham both went close for Rovers as the home team
continued to create chances.

Lopez was unluckily dismissed after receiving his second yellow card with 16 minutes left but
The Dragons continued to try and push forward and substitute Lee King narrowly missed
with a header.

But Seegruns men finished the stronger - Jacobs wasted a good chance with full-time
looming and the impressive Falconi denied Bobby Page a late goal.

Melchester Rovers: Tomillo, Page, Carruthers, Soupillier, Small, Cheetham, Luik, Cleary
(Dickson 86), De Loon (Marshall 76), Lyons (Tonks 81), Jacobs.
Subs Not Used: Daniels, Piedra, Spink, Lees.

Goals: Luik 9, De Loon 24.

Barmouth: Lenkiewicz, Charlton, Falconi, Alvaro, McQueen, Sill, Kim (Simonsson 60),
Dublin, Chemin, Lopez, Carter (Cazador 71).
Subs Not Used: Soderling, Antonio, Van Kuif, King, Endoh.

Sent Off: Lopez (74).

Booked: Alvaro, Lopez.

Attendance: 55,018.
Referee: M Rawlings (W Yorkshire).

***

Jake Cheetham hit the half-century mark for Melchester Rovers as they fought
out a pulsating draw with Kelburn in West London.

Johan Seegrun's side twice came from behind to earn a hard-earned point - with Cheetham
hitting a landmark with his 50th goal for the club in the second half.

Graham Hay gave Kelburn coach Freddy Sepp the perfect start with an early strike, but
Richie Lyons was on target to restore equality in the first half. Belgian winger Edwin Peril put
Kelburn back in front in injury-time at the end of the opening period. But Rovers mounted a
second half siege to collect a well-deserved point as Cheetham swept home the leveller.
Seegrun will have been left frustrated by Rovers' failure to transform second half domination
into three points - and referee Gary Thomson's failure to award a blatant penalty when
Kelburn goalkeeper Thomas Cloister hauled down Marco De Loon.

Rovers were unable to call on the services of 30m defender Eddy Soupillier, who was
forced to watch from the sidelines as he recovers from an ankle injury.

As the action got under way, Seegrun will have been regretting Soupillier's absence with
Kelburn taking the lead in the third minute. Peril's vicious free-kick only needed the slightest
of touches from Hay in the six-yard area to divert the ball past the helpless Santiago Tomillo.

Kelburn had made a high-tempo start but Rovers, with Cheetham playing in a more
advanced role ahead of Danny Luik in a midfield diamond, were on terms in impressive style
in the 26th minute.

James Carruthers' raking 60-yard pass found Richie Lyons in space on the right flank.
He turned inside Cesar Aguilera before sending a curling left foot drive past Cloister with the
help of a slight deflection.

Kelburn and Rovers both had chances to go in front as a pulsating opening period swung
from end to end - and it was Sepp's side who struck in spectacular fashion in first half injury
time.

Goalkeeper Tomillo was at fault, gifting the ball back to Kelburn as he attempted a quick
throw out, and he was punished fatally as Peril lashed a brilliant finish into the top corner.

It was a bitter blow to Rovers - but it stung them into action as they produced a scintillating
spell of football that led to an inevitable equaliser. Kelburn's goal was under siege as the
second half started, Cloister saving well from Cheetham and De Loon, as well as seeing a
Lyons lob bounce back off the bar.

And referee Thomson was at fault in the 58th minute, turning away penalty appeals after
Cloister clearly hauled down De Loon as he looked poised to score.

It was only a matter of time before Rovers levelled matters, and they got the equaliser they
deserved after 64 minutes, when sweeper Carruthers was creator again with a surging run
that set up Cheetham for a clipped finish beyond Cloister.

Seegrun's men looked the likely winners, and Cloister was Kelburn's hero again with another
excellent save from Rovers captain Cheetham as time ran out.

Kelburn: Cloister, Petkovic, Hay, Johnson, Aguilera, Jensen, Keita, Ramon (Bokanga 75),
Perez, David Colsa (Farinos 80), Peril (Abrahams 80).
Subs Not Used: Bajramovic, Monte, Hillier-Chinn, Alam.

Booked: Johnson, David Colsa, Perez.

Melchester Rovers: Tomillo, Page, Carruthers, Piedra, Small, Cheetham, Luik, Cleary, De
Loon (Dickson 84), Lyons (Marshall 76), Jacobs (Lees 90).
Subs Not Used: Daniels, Carpenter, Tonks, Jordan.

Booked: Page, Small.

Attendance: 41,541.
Referee: G Thomson (Cumbria).

***

Jan Lille made a dream debut for Blackport - but Melchester Rovers striker
Richie Lyons stole the headlines with a red card.

Dutch striker Lille, signed and registered just in time to play in the match, hauled the Tigers
back into the game after they had fallen behind to a Jake Cheetham goal.

Rovers, for whom Danny Luik was outstanding in midfield, were left to rue a host of missed
chances. And their frustration finally boiled over when Lyons was sent off for elbowing Mike
Burgess in the dying seconds.

The former Rovers team-mates had been involved in an earlier spat before the red mist
descended on Lyons.

Johan Seegrun's side, who suffered a further blow with the loss of wingback Ryan Small to
injury, will now have to regroup in time for their game against Castlemere on Tuesday.

It took Rovers only seven minutes to open the scoring against perennial strugglers
Blackport, exploiting a hesitant home defence to take the lead.

Harry Jacobs headed the ball on for Cheetham, who ghosted past the Tigers' back-line and
rifled in a low left-foot shot past Josh Hampstead.

A period of intense pressure from Rovers then ensued and they should really have put the
game beyond Blackport's reach before half-time.

Cheetham, Jacobs and Lyons were all presented with chances, but failed to find the target.

For Blackport, Burgess, deployed as a defensive midfielder for his new club, forced a superb
fingertip save from Santiago Tomillo in the Rovers goal, while Darrell Shipp flashed a shot
wide.

In what would have been extraordinary case of deja vu, Cheetham almost doubled Rovers'
advantage seven minutes after the break.

Excellent work by the ubiquitous Lyons set up the Rovers captain. But an equally excellent
interception by the impressive Julio Puos denied Cheetham his second goal of the
afternoon.
Rovers' failure to capitalise on their dominance gave Blackport hope that they might take
something from the game. And so it proved when the persistence of Samuel Cronje down
the left provided Lille with his first real opportunity.

The Stocky Dutchman made no mistake from six yards, striking the ball high into the Rovers
goal to send Dock Lane into raptures.

Only the alertness of Lassina Kante and Hampstead in the Blackport goal prevented Rovers
from stealing a late winner as the visitors poured forward.

But the Tigers maintained their composure, unlike Lyons, who was unnecessarily dismissed
in injury-time.

Blackport: Hampstead, Puos, Kante, Diedhiou, Van Haaren, Gower (James 89), Bardon
(Fletcher 88), Burgess, Cronje, Lille (Bonera 79), Shipp.
Subs Not Used: Gentile, OBrien, Karoui, Wanless.

Booked: Burgess.

Melchester Rovers: Tomillo, Page (Marshall 90), Carruthers, Soupillier, Small (Piedra 66),
Cheetham, Luik, Cleary, De Loon, Lyons, Jacobs (Dickson 88).
Subs Not Used: Daniels, Vera, Tonks, Spink.

Sent Off: Lyons (90).

Booked: Page, Cheetham.

Attendance: 47,586
Referee: A Arthur (S Yorkshire).

***

Jake Cheetham's penalty ensured Melchester Rovers were able to write

headlines for the right reasons with a comfortable victory over Castlemere.

After four days dominated by Richie Lyon's disciplinary and injury problems, Rovers returned
to on-the-field matters with their customary sense of purpose.

In truth, the match was average Premier League fare with excitement limited. The Mel Park
crowd seemingly as anxious as Johan Seegrun on hearing the news that Lyons will be out
for months following a training ground knee ligament injury.

Nevertheless, Rovers were the vastly superior team and once Cheetham had scored from
the spot after 28 minutes, their lead rarely seemed in danger.
Castlemere unbeaten on their return to the top flight - were well organised and proved hard
to break down, but they lacked any sort of ambition until the final period of the game. And
Rovers goalkeeper Nathan Daniels - making his first appearance of the season - had
precious little to do.

Rovers enjoyed the majority of the possession but - apart from a Cheetham shot after a
trademark run at goal - posed little real threat until the penalty.

The Rovers captain was put through on goal by De Loons deft ball over the Castlemere
defence, but as he shot he was pulled back and referee Mike Fletcher awarded a penalty.
Cheetham smashed the ball into the roof of the net from the subsequent spot kick for his
third goal of the season.

Replays showed that Cheetham had been pulled back by Dave Tubb - and although the
contact was minimal the referee was correct to award a spot kick.

Having taken the lead, Rovers briefly threatened to overrun Castlemere but their intricate
passing continued to lack a cutting edge. And Castlemere continued to restrict the home
team's attacking threat until De Loon shot narrowly wide on the stroke of half-time.
Superb approach work from Ryan Small- who went into the game carrying a calf injury - and
Tommy Tonks crafted a good scoring chance for Cheetham after 62 minutes, but he shot
wide from ten yards.

As the game wore on - and following Rovers' failure to convert their dominance into goals -
the visitors did grow in confidence.

Bodvar Jonasson had a rare shot at goal for Castlemere after 68 minutes, but he was forced
wide the ball flew wide of Daniels goal.

Eifion Lewis then almost beat Daniels with a vicious long drive after Rovers had been guilty
of over-playing the ball deep in their own half.

But Rovers debutant substitute Andr Belliqueux could have doubled the home team's lead -
and scored his first goal for his club - shortly before the end but his header was saved by
Patrick Ogunbiye.

Melchester Rovers boss Johan Seegrun: "Lyons let us down last week with the red card.
We were prepared to lose him for three matches, but now knowing he will be out indefinitely,
it is a big blow.

Andr Belliqueux will have to step up and start scoring immediately. He is young and cost a
lot of money, but I know he can handle the pressure.

Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Page, Carruthers, Soupillier, Small (Piedra 90), Tonks, Luik,
Cleary, De Loon (Belliqueux 79), Cheetham, Jacobs (Marshall 71).
Subs Not Used: Tomillo, Vera, Jordan, Dickson.

Booked: Luik.
Castlemere: Ogunbiye, Ijeh, Tubb, Manor, Joyce, OConnor (Jermyn 72), Lewis, Jones,
Stoneman, Jonasson, Dissa (Praia 73).
Subs Not Used: Thelwell, Connaitre, James, Coster.
Booked: Tubb, Manor.

Attendance: 55,464
Referee: M Fletcher (W Yorkshire).

***

Goals from Eddy Soupillier, Jake Cheetham and Jamie Marshall ensured
Melchester Rovers made a winning return to the UEFA Champions League
after fourteen years away.

Rovers made sure of a successful return to the Champions League by producing an

impressive victory against Zargovnika .The three-time winners took time to get into their
stride but Soupillier's header shortly before the break set them on their way.

A spectacular second-half effort from Giorgiano brought the visitors level but Rovers
responded strongly and Jake Cheetham and substitute Jamie Marshall struck in the final
half-hour to secure a winning start to Group A.
With his team beaten away to Kelburn a year ago and in the knowledge that Zargovnika had
lost on all five previous visits to England, Italian coach Carlo Mancini opted for a five-man
defence which frustrated the hosts for large parts of the first period.
Danny Luik skewing wide and a Lucas Cleary shot from far out that flew narrowly past the
post were all the home fans had to cheer as the half progressed while Giorgiano showed
little sign of what he would summon later in the game, the Brazilian striking two wayward
attempts off target.
Having witnessed their side on their best unbeaten run in almost 30 years the Rovers
supporters' belief was palpable. Their faith was repaid five minutes before the interval with
Soupillier just as he had done in former club Zatorias Europa League triumph against
Zargovnika last season rising to meet a corner at the near post and head high into the net.
Mancini reacted by replacing defender Leo Sobrinho with Oriel Sedov at the restart and the
tactical change brought its reward. Andrei Kohkhlov 's header drew a fine save from
Santiago Tomillo before Giorgiano silenced the locals, bounding forward to send a fierce left-
footed drive from distance inside the near post.
Rovers were rocked and lucky not to be behind shortly afterwards as Kohkhlov's bending
free-kick was kept out by the crossbar. The shaken hosts regrouped and regained the lead
after Zargovnika goalkeeper Yanis Lebedev could only deflect Luik's probing free-kick into
the path of Soupillier. The defender's initial effort was blocked, as was Cheetham's
subsequent strike, but the Rover captain's persistence paid off when he found the net at the
second attempt.
Roaring their team on, the Mel Park crowd exploded in ecstasy when replacement forward
Marshall sauntered through within a minute of his introduction to calmly slot in his first
European goal and guarantee his new club a winning return to the competition.

Melchester Rovers: Tomillo, Piedra, Carruthers, Soupillier, Small, Cheetham, Luik, Cleary,
De Loon (Marshall 85), Belliqueux (Dickson 90), Jacobs (Jordan 76).
Subs Not Used: Daniels, Page, Carpenter, Tonks.

Booked: Soupillier, Luik.

Zargovnika: Lebedev, Semak, Sobrinho (Sedov 45), Caduta, Zakharov (Nekrasov 66),
Gracia, Van Blaam, Giorgiano, Kapov, Dudolev, A. Kohkhlov.
Subs Not Used: M. Kohkhlov, Lammerens, Marcelo, Dukanovic.

Booked: Caduta, Gracia, Semak.

Attendance: 54,011.
Referee: T Mio (Portugal).

***

Castleton winger Theo Andrews inflicted a shock defeat on Melchester Rovers

for the second season running at Mel Park.

Ian Kirby's side won the corresponding fixture 2-0 last season and they triumphed again
thanks to Andrews' late goal.

The England international winger made the most of some dismal Rovers defending to send
the ball past Nathan Daniels.

Johan Seegrun's men only had themselves to blame for failing to make their dominance
count.

Despite a frenzied onslaught in the dying minutes, Rovers could not find a way past the
brilliant Serge Mangala, who made a breathtaking double save to earn Castleton three
points.

Rovers started like a team without their attacking maestros Richie Lyons and Jake
Cheetham, both out injured.

The odd piece of skill from new signing Andr Belliqueux, who chested the ball around Mick
Ward before unleashing a tame shot, briefly illuminated a tepid first half.
Such was the lack of real incident, the two goalkeepers - Rovers' Daniels and Mangala of
Castleton - did well to maintain their concentration when called into action.

Castleton looked to William Zoro for a flash of flair to spark the game into life and the newly
capped Ivory Coast international did not disappoint, showing his class with several deft
touches.

Indeed, Zoro should have made more of an error by compatriot Eddy Soupillier. The Rovers
defender was dispossessed by the ever-willing Christophe Bartele, the ball was fed out to
Theo Andrews, who picked out Zoro but his shot flashed wide.

Rovers re-emerged from their apparent slumber just before half-time.

Belliqueux and Marco De Loon both went close, the former seeing his goalbound effort
tipped over by Mangala, the latter striking the underside of the crossbar only for the ball to
bounce outwards.

After the interval, the game followed a similar pattern. None of the incisive, attacking Total
Football with which Rovers are normally associated was on display.

Danny Luik, a peripheral figure for long periods despite some sumptuous passing, was
replaced by Kelvin Dickson. Yet again the targetman failed to make any impact and, with
Castleton holding their own against Rovers, the visitors gained in confidence.

Castleton's winner came after some dreadful defending from the home side.
Miguel Piedra's half-clearance found Tommy Tonks, who failed to control and gave the ball
away to Andrews.

The player, signed on transfer deadline day from Tynecaster United, unleashed a fierce shot
which Daniels could only push into the corner of the net.

At the other end, Mangala came to the visitors' rescue, producing a superb double save to
deny Rovers an equaliser they did not really deserve.

Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Page, Carruthers, Soupillier, Small (Piedra 45), Tonks, Luik
(Dickson 76), Cleary, De Loon, Belliqueux (Marshall 81), Jacobs.
Subs Not Used: Tomillo, Vera, Jordan, Spink.

Booked: Page.

Castleton: Managala, Stewart, Scott, Thompson, Ward, Irons, McQueen (Sala 87), Zoro,
Cuffy (Kang 73), Andrews (Crook 90), Bartele.
Subs Not Used: Williams, Serve, Doyle, Cook.

Booked: Zoro, Sala.

Attendence: 55,623
Referee: G Henderson (Hertfordshire).

***
Carles Farinos scored twice in extra time as Kelburn came from two goals
down to beat 10-man Melchester Rovers and reach the EFL Cup fourth round.

Jamie Marshall's header and instinctive strike put Rovers in control, but Graham Hay
nodded in before the break.

Cesar Aguilera equalised with a long-range effort before Rovers defender Ronnie Carpenter
was sent off.

Farinos' clipped finish put Kelburn ahead early in the first extra period and a powerful shot
sealed the win.

It had been a pulsating cup tie - particularly in the second half - with chances at both ends
but Carpenter's dismissal for elbowing David Colsa ultimately proved costly.

Kelburn deserved to progress but Rovers boss Johan Seegrun will perhaps be buoyed by
his side's performance for much of the game, with glimpses of the incisive attacking and
compact defending that helped them win the title last season.

Kelburn have scored in every game this season and their attacking strength came to the fore
towards the end of this game.

However, their defensive frailties against a second-string Rovers frontline should continue to
be a cause for concern for boss Freddy Sepp.

Only once in their previous 14 games in all competitions have the Ks kept a clean sheet -
and they were needlessly exposed in the first half of this game.

Aguilera's awkward touch when trying to deal with Joshua Jordan's cross allowed Marshall
to nip in and flick a header over Al Bajramovic, and the Rovers forward then profited from a
static backline to score a second.

Man of the Match

Carles Farinos has been unable to secure his first-team place this season, with the Spanish
midfielder restricted to appearances from the bench in the Premier League since Sepps
conversion to 3-4-3.

His only two starts in 2016/17 have come in the EFL Cup - but he was arguably the standout
player for the Ks in this game.

The 29-year-old has been criticised for a lack of goals in the past - he scored six last season
and five the campaign before - but took both his finishes well against Rovers and also
provided the assist for Hay's goal.

His was a performance to give Sepp food for thought.

Melchester Rovers boss Johan Seegrun: "I am happy with our performance until 2-0. We
started very well and we were in control of the match. Kelburn had more possession but we
were very smart and clever to score twice.

"The key was when we conceded a goal on the last corner of the half - we lost two
dangerous men, Monte and Hay.

"In extra time I said stay together and close the space, but Farinos scored and it was very
difficult for us."

Kelburn boss Freddy Sepp: "It's important when I call someone to play and they show me
my choice is not wrong.

"I am pleased for Carles because he played a good game, he showed me great commitment
in the training sessions. I am satisfied when I see this behaviour.

"This is the right way and I want my players to create good competition and, game by game,
give me the opportunity to choose the best line-up."

Melchester Rovers: Tomillo, Carpenter, Soupillier, Vera, Piedra, Tonks, Spink, Jacobs
(Giles 89), Marshall (De Loon 75), Dickson, Jordan (Canning 76).
Subs Not Used: McDermott, Page, Small, Stein.

Booked: Vera, Spink.

Sent off: Carpenter.

Kelburn: Bajramovic, Aguilera, Monte, Hay, Abrahams, Farinos, Jensen, Marquitos, Hillier-
Chinn (David Colsa 85), Perez (Peril 89), Bokanga (Alam 80).
Subs Not Used: Gant, Launer, Fallon, Njanka.

Booked: Jensen, Monte.

Attendance: 48,340.
Referee: D Thomas (Devon).

***
Charlie Forrest's double strike gave Burndean their first league win of the
season on a miserable afternoon for the champions.

Rovers started with Marco De Loon, Andr Belliqueux and Jake Cheetham for the first time
but fell behind when Forrest's free-kick flew in off Danny Luik.

Cheetham levelled with a neat finish just after half-time.

But Forrest quickly restored Burndean's lead in spectacular style with a fierce 25-yard strike
into the top corner.

The closest Rovers came to an equaliser was Cheetham's injury-time free-kick, which was
brilliantly tipped on to the post by Ryan Scarlett before Burndean cleared their lines.

With his three best attacking players lining up together for the first time, this was supposed
to be the start of a new era of dominance for Rovers and their manager Johan Seegrun. But
instead it was back-to-back defeats for the Champions, who slipped down to tenth in the
Premier League.

Enrico Capucci hoped to end a winless run stretching back to April with a win over the
Champions, in a match that will be remembered as much for horrific weather conditions and
injuries to two of Melchester Rovers three starting centre-backs, Bobby Page and James
Carruthers as the surprise result.

Wins for Gatesfield and Blackport had seen the Whites drop to the foot of the table before
kick-off but Burndean did not perform like a team who had taken two points from their five
Premier League games.

The fierce wind that swirled round Burnham Park made it difficult for both teams to settle but,
just when Rovers had forced their first sustained spell of pressure, Forrest struck to put his
side in front.
There was a lot of luck about his first goal, his 30-yard shot cannoning off Luik and looping
into the opposite corner past a stranded Nathan Daniels.

Things got worse for Seegrun when Carruthers fell awkwardly after a clash with Michael
Andersson and had to be carried off.

The Rovers boss had already moved Miguel Piedra back into the middle of his defence
when Page was injured, and his lack of defensive options meant Luik had to drop into the
back three.

Seegrun had little choice but to adopt an attacking approach to get back into the game and
that paid off seconds after the interval when Belliqueux teed up Cheetham, giving the young
Frenchman his second assist in two games for Rovers.

But the visitors were only level for five minutes, and there was no fortune about Forrest's
second strike, which flew past a startled Daniels with the help of the wind.

By now the game was wide open, with Rovers pressing hard but seeing Burndean create the
best chances on the break, and Andrw Cutt curled a shot wide for the home side before
substitute Samuel Diawara volleyed over.

Rovers piled on the pressure in the closing stages, flinging a series of crosses into the
Burndean area, and with seven minutes of injury time to be played, they had hope.

But Cheetham's curling shot was clawed to safety by Scarlett and Burndean held out, ending
a run of three defeats and two draws with a famous victory.

Burndean: Scarlett, Peak, Simpson, Andrasson, Marker, Saha (Slater 76), Groom, Calvin,
Cutt, Forrest, Andersson (Diawara 67)
Subs not used: Signorino, Hutton, Pablos, Evans, Penteola

Booked: Andrasson

Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Page (Small 11), Carruthers (Marshall 45), Soupillier, Piedra,
Tonks, Luik, Vera, De Loon, Cheetham, Belliqueux (Jacobs 78)
Subs not used: Tomillo, Spink, Jordan, Dickson

Attendance: 44,126.
Referee: S Lindars (Essex).

***

Melchester Rovers beat Santova Rapid in Portugal to maintain a winning start

in their return season to Europe's premier club competition.
Andr Belliqueux, who had a prolific scoring record in the competition with his former club
Rochemonte Rapides, headed the only goal from a Marco De Loon cross.

Santova substitute Juan Tapito hit the post, but Rovers held on.

Melchester lead Group A by two points from second-placed Racing Blue, who they meet on
18 October.

Belliqueux, a deadline-day signing for a massive 29m, scored nine Champions League
goals in Rochemontes 2015/16 run to the Quarter Finals.

However the young Frenchman had yet to find the net for his new club.

Here, he met the teasing, curling cross of the excellent De Loon, diving towards the ball at
the back post to head past a reluctant Iaki Villa.

It was his fourteenth goal in fourteen Champions League games, the first of which to have
been scored with his head.

Rovers, last season's surprise Premier League champions, have made an uncertain start to
the defence of their title, winning just two of their opening six games including defeats to
relegation favourites Castleton and crisis club Burndean.

Yet the template that brought success last season - a fluid midfield, patient passing and
pacey counter-attacks - was once again employed with success in front of a hostile crowd in
the Portuguese capital.

After seeing his side beaten by bottom club Burndean on Saturday, Rovers boss Johan
Seegrun preferred the experienced Miguel Piedra to Ryan Small at right-wingback, but it was
young centre-backs James Carruthers and Eddy Soupillier who impressed.

At the other end, De Loon caused trouble on the right in the first half, Cheetham explored
the channels and Belliqueux barely stopped running.

For Portuguese champions Santova, a domination of the second half - they had eight
attempts on goal to Melchester's two - only brought serious pressure in the dying moments.

Indeed, until a frantic, backs-to-the-wall final 10 minutes, a low save from Hugo Herradura's
long-range effort was the biggest test of the returning Nathan Daniels in the Rovers goal.

But, as Santova pressed, Rovers were pushed deeper and goalmouth confusion became
commonplace, with Tapito's back-post effort deflecting off Lucas Cleary and on to the
woodwork.

As the tension increased, a flurry of late corners was not enough for Santova to improve a
dismal record in England that extends to 17 games without a win.

Melchester Rovers boss Johan Seegrun: "We suffered in the last 10 minutes but it was
important to win. Concentration was high, we were resilient, I'm very happy.

"We played with our spirit tonight. The last pass wasn't always there, but De Loon made one
fantastic pass for Andr."
Santova Rapid: Villa, Seglaro, Felix, Acero, Dizendo, Oscar (Tapito 78), Dito, Artur
(Herradura 63), Alberto Linares (Teadoro 63), Oceano, Prata.
Subs Not Used: Forte, Bamba, Gelos, Depommier.

Booked: Acero, Dito, Prata.

Melchester Rovers: Daniels, Carruthers, Soupillier, Vera, Piedra, Tonks, Luik, Cleary, De
Loon (Marshall 78), Cheetham, Belliqueux (Jacobs 78).
Subs Not Used: Tomillo, Small, Jordan, Dickson.

Booked: Vera, Belliqueux, De Loon.

***

Jake Cheetham came to Melchester Rovers' rescue as they made hard work of
beating a makeshift Portdean at Old Trafford.

Cheetham decided an exciting encounter with a second half penalty, but Rovers were
thankful to recalled goalkeeper Santiago Tomillo for crucial saves as Pedro Rivera's
reshaped team threatened to take away at least a point.

Portdean held their own for long periods, despite being forced to field an under-strength side
after Rivera's squad was ravaged by injuries.

The game exploded into life after a quiet start in the 26th minute when De Loon and Jens
Verhoeven clashed.

Verhoeven pushed De Loon to the floor as play continued upfield, and he was fortunate to
escape a red card as referee Richard Scott booked both players.

Portdean were in defiant mood, but it needed a fine save from Martijn Leest to deny Andr
Belliqueux after 35 minutes with a one-handed stop from a powerful drive.

Boss Johan Seegrun clearly ordered his players to up the tempo after the interval, but De
Loon wasted a chance inside 30 seconds of the re-start with a tame finish.

But Portdean were still in the hunt, and Tomillo had to race 40 yards from goal to deny Jan
Vinsson after Eddy Soupillier had blundered. And as a lively encounter continued, Leest
produced another fine save to deny Jake Cheetham from 10 yards.

But Tomillo was not to be upstaged, and he produced a moment of brilliance to keep Rovers
on level terms on the hour.
Rovers' rearguard was caught out by Han-Moon Seok's cross which found Verhoeven
unmarked six yards out, but Tomillo blocked crucially with his feet.

t was a reprieve for Rovers - and a moment that turned the game as they took the lead from
the spot after 63 minutes.

Bryn Jones had already escaped what looked a clear penalty for fouling De Loon, only for
the defender to repeat the treatment on Belliqueux.

This time there was no escape as referee Scott pointed to the spot, with a relieved
Cheetham scoring emphatically to give Rovers the points.

Melchester Rovers boss Johan Seegrun: "I enjoyed this match, the two teams both had a
real go at each other. I am pleased that we have come out on top.

For me it is a great game because for the first time I have picked the four new signings in
the same team and we win. That is great news for the future of Melchester Rovers. We have
many important games this season and now I know I have a big enough squad to succeed.

Melchester Rovers: Tomillo, Piedra, Soupillier, Vera, Small, Tonks (Spink 76), Luik, Cleary,
De Loon (Marshall 85), Cheetham, Belliqueux (Jacobs 76).
Subs Not Used: Daniels, Carpenter, Jordan, Dickson.

Booked: Cheetham.

Portdean: Leest, Trotter, Goode, Verhoeven, Jones, Delmotte, Glint, Ehman, Ama
(Ledesma 85), Seok, Vinsson (Sibaya 76).
Subs Not Used: Gant, Launer, Fallon, Njanka.

Booked: Verhoeven.

Attendance: 55,611.
Referee: R Scott (Hampshire).

NEXT More reports from the exciting 2016/17 season!

 Storky Knight

NEXT Part 2 Can the new signings gel and allow Melchester Rovers to gain
ground in their title defence and progress in Europe?