‘I got the reaction I wanted’ – Baffins Milton Rovers boss Thompson following Wessex League victory over Alresford

Baffins Milton Rovers boss Danny Thompson got the reaction he was looking for against rock bottom Alresford.
By Simon Carter
Published 5th Feb 2023, 11:46 BST
Dillon North scores for Baffins against Alresford. Picture: Chris MoorhouseDillon North scores for Baffins against Alresford. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Dillon North scores for Baffins against Alresford. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

Thompson confessed Rovers had ‘got away with one’ in scoring twice late on to beat city rivals US Portsmouth in a midweek Wessex League fixture.

So with that in mind, the performance was as important as the three points in a 4-1 home win over the Magpies.

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Thompson freshened his starting XI up, pairing teenage pair Harvey Welham and Harry Fox in central midfield.

Kelvin Robinson puts Baffins 3-0 ahead from the penalty spot. Picture: Chris MoorhouseKelvin Robinson puts Baffins 3-0 ahead from the penalty spot. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Kelvin Robinson puts Baffins 3-0 ahead from the penalty spot. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

He also switched to a 3-5-2 formation to get more attack-minded players on the pitch - Kelvin Robinson and Brad Lethbridge up front with Miles Everett and Dillon North also included.

It was the latter pair who grabbed the first two goals as Rovers stormed into a 3-0 lead inside 38 minutes.

Robinson converted a penalty for the third after he had been brought down by the Alresford keeper.

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Sub Liam Brewer added a fourth late on before Alresford, losing for the 19th league game in succession, bagged a consolation.

Kelvin Robinson is about to be fouled by the Alresford keeper, who concedes a penalty as a result. Picture: Chris MoorhouseKelvin Robinson is about to be fouled by the Alresford keeper, who concedes a penalty as a result. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Kelvin Robinson is about to be fouled by the Alresford keeper, who concedes a penalty as a result. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

Thompson told The News: ‘It was much better (than against USP). The performance was important, I got the reaction I wanted from Tuesday.

‘I was looking for a decent performance and that’s what I got.

‘No disrespect to Alresford, they’re bottom for a reason, but I told the lads afterwards you can only beat what’s in front of you.’

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Thompson admitted his team selection was made with ‘one eye’ on Tuesday’s Premier Division trip to promotion hopefuls Horndean.

Miles Everett has just put Baffins in front. Picture: Chris MoorhouseMiles Everett has just put Baffins in front. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Miles Everett has just put Baffins in front. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

Centre half Ed Sanders - one of Rovers’ most experienced players - was one of five second half subs used.

Completing a good day for Baffins, the club’s reserve team moved to the top of the Hampshire Combination East Division with a 4-1 win at Clanfield.

It was an eighth successive league victory since former Paulsgrove boss Steve Ledger took over a few weeks into the season.

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Tyler Moret and his younger brother Morgan were among the scores, along with centre half Louie O’Brien and Dan Aitken.

Baffins Milton Rovers striker Brad Lethbridge. Picture: Chris MoorhouseBaffins Milton Rovers striker Brad Lethbridge. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Baffins Milton Rovers striker Brad Lethbridge. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

‘I still think the players have got an extra couple of gears to go through,’ Ledger told The News.

‘The first half (at Clanfield) was one to forget, the players were too busy arguing with themselves and the officials. There were a few stern words at half-time.’

Rovers have now scored 38 goals in Ledger’s eight league games, conceding just three.

Related topics:Danny ThompsonBaffins Milton Rovers