FA CUP SPECIAL 2
After the elation of Derby, the fans were brought back to ground with a bump in the fourth round. Paired with Gillingham, a respectable First Division side, Rover’s prospects of reaching the fifth round draw for the second time in three years looked bleak.
Rovers did not quite match Derby for skill throughout the match, but overshadowed the Ram’s continental stars Ravenelli and Carboni in terms of passion and commitment.
After only 18 minutes, a long ball forward from keeper Howie caught the defense napping as Ellington steamed through to head past the onrushing Poom. This sent the traveling Gasheads into delirium, which was increased 26 minutes later when a deflection from an Ellington cross found its way into the net, doubling the lead.
Into the second half, Derby upped the tempo but could not find a way past the resolute Rovers rearguard. With 54 minutes gone, Ellington chested the ball down on the edge of the area, swiveled and unleashed an unstoppable shot to complete his hat trick.
Derby did not completely give up, and a consolation header was scored by Ravenelli late into the match, claiming back some credibility for the top flight side.
It could have been even more embarrassing in stoppage time as a Mark Walters shot beat Poom, but rebounded off the post to safety.
All in all, a good day at the office for the Division three side, who may have contemplated sneaking the game by a single goal, but never in their wildest dreams imagined that they would be able see off their superiors with such style.
At least in ensured passage to the fifth round draw by default, which was to provide the eventual winners with a fine day out at Highbury, to face cup favorites Arsenal. The rematch was arranged for a wet Tuesday night 10 days later, with a good crowd venturing eastwards.
The Rovers team turned out in the radioactive orange change strip in an attempt to dazzle the Gills into submission. It didn’t work. The goal threat of the Duke was subdued by an organised Gillingham, who enjoyed large periods of possession yet spurned the good chances they managed to create. In fact it took an unfortunate headed own goal from a free kick close to the corner flag by midfielder Ronnie Mauge. Rovers never really got going and although they made a few chances after the break, they didn’t look likely to breach the tight Gills defense.
And so the Rovers cup dream was over with a whimper rather than a roar, and the Gasheads were left to trudge home, wet and weary with very little sleep and no trip to Highbury.