Saturday, January 25, 2003

BROMSGROVE Rovers conceded an early two-goal lead as Gloucester City ran out deserved 4-2 winners at the Victoria Ground last Saturday.

In front of the largest Dr Martens Western crowd this season - 713 - the hosts had a dream start when they opened the scoring after only three minutes.

Kevin Banner's right wing corner was met at the near post by Steve Frost who gave Gloucester goalkeeper Matt Bath no chance with a powerful header.

Bromsgrove continued to push forward and doubled their advantage on 15 minutes when Paul Danks robbed the ball from Stephen Chipps before racing to the edge of the area and firing a low shot past Bath's outstretched right hand and into the corner of the net.

Lee Smith thought he had pulled a goal back for the visitors on 19 minutes but Matt Lowe tipped his shot away from close range and from the resulting corner Morgan Brookes cleared Chipps' effort off the line.

On 27 minutes, the Tigers pulled one back as Smith drilled a low shot from the edge of the area through a mass of players and into the corner of the goal.

Three minutes later, Smith was again the scorer when he equalised for Gloucester by beating Stewart Brighton, later booked for a late challenge, to Adie Harris' left wing cross.

Gloucester continued to dominate and it was Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side who were glad to hear referee Smith blow for the half time interval.

The visitors took the lead on 54 minutes, Rovers failing to clear the loose ball inside the six-yard box and Dave Wilkinson forced the ball over the line from close range. Cautions followed for Darren Bullock and Richard Burgess, both for late challenges.

Bath saved a 20-yard free kick from Darren Bullock on 73 minutes as Bromsgrove tried to get back on level terms, but the visitors made the game safe on 80 minutes.

Rovers substitute Matt Southwick inexplicably handled on the edge of penalty area, goalkeeper Lowe prevented Smith from completing his hat-trick from the spot kick but Chris Thompson was first to react to complete the Tigers' scoring.

ROVERS

Lowe 7, Benbow 5, Banner 6, Brookes 7, Brighton 6 (sub Southwick 76 mins), Lutz 5 (sub Palmer 67 mins 6), Dyson 5, BULLOCK 7*, Burgess (sub Read 67 mins 6) 6, Danks 7, Frost 5. Sub not used: Beckett.

Att - 713.

Match report by CHRIS FOX.