ROZEL ROVERS deservedly beat recently-crowned Division I U16 champions St Paul’s at Les Quennevais last night to earn a semi-final spot in the Eric Amy Trophy.

Rovers, also of the Lloyds TSB Junior League top flight, came from behind to shatter Saints’ 100 per cent record for the season, with a battling second-half performance in a tough and physical encounter.Saints were quickly in their stride and striker Brett Pitman turned his man superbly to score from eight yards in the second minute.

More looked likely to follow, but dogged defending, wayward shooting and a good display from Rovers’ ‘keeper Elliot de Sousa kept Saints at bay.

Rovers slowly settled and they scored an excellent equaliser when Steven Muir lashed home a low shot from 15 yards.Come the second half Rozel were clearly the hungrier of the two sides, although clear openings were rare at either end.

The tie – and a semi-final meeting with Jersey Wanderers on Sunday 7 March – was won after some sloppy defending of a free kick allowed Rovers’ Ross Philpott the opportunity to unleash a powerful and accurate shot past the helpless Matt Brookland.

A late rally by the far from impressive champions was desperately nullified by a determined Rozel rearguard – and left Rovers coach Tony Parkinson rightly proud of his team’s efforts.