YOU would have thought Bromsgrove Rovers had won the FA Trophy.

As it was, their post-match parade marked an excellent 2-1 victory over local rivals Halesowen Town in the first round proper.

Joe Jackson's side saved their best performance of the season to date for the largest Victoria Ground crowd of the campaign.

Watched by 522 fans, Rovers stuck to their task and worked hard when under pressure.

And they scored two quality second-half goals. Nicky Campbell excellently capped a quick break five minutes after the interval and Arthur Appleton headed the second 21 minutes later.

Things got a bit frantic once the Yeltz had pulled one back but Rovers held on.

The hosts did not have it all their own way, indeed they were lucky not to trail by half-time as twice Halesowen threatened to take the lead.

Steve Hillman and 'keeper Matt Lowe combined to scoop Richard Burgess' shot off the line and Lewis Baker hit the rebound against the bar.

The Rovers pair were also involved eight minutes later as Simon Forsdick's shot cannoned off Hillman but Lowe reacted superbly to save.

Rovers found their feet and, although spending long periods in their own half, they defended well and restricted Town to few attacks.

Within five minutes of the re-start, Rovers had taken the lead. A long clearance was taken in his stride by Marcus Jackson on the right and the winger fired in a cross which Campbell converted with a diving header, complete with back-flip celebration.

The home crowd were now in raptures and urging their team on. Rovers still had the odd scare, notably Baker heading wide and Lowe blocking from Niki Preston.

But Rovers added a second on 71 minutes when Mark Benbow's pinpoint free-kick from the right was prodded home by Appleton's head.

Halesowen hit back inside three minutes when former Rovers striker Burgess turned home David Haywood's free-kick.

The hosts' defence was in no mood for a replay though sub Ben Steane's late shot kept them on their toes.

Rovers: Lowe 8, Benbow 7, Ulfig 6, Hillman 7, Collins 7, Mahon 8, M Jackson 7, Allen 8, Mitchell (sub Szewczyk 71 mins 6) 7, *Appleton 9, Campbell 8. Subs not used: Gandy, Banner, N Jackson, Frost.