Saturday, September 11, 2004

PAUL Szewczyk stretched Bromsgrove Rovers' unbeaten league run to five games.

Szewczyk's second half equaliser at the Victoria Ground last Saturday ensured a 1-1 draw with Ashford Town (Middlesex) and meant Joe Jackson's side have not been beaten in Division One West since the second match of the season.

And, with no game this Saturday after being dumped out of the FA Cup, they have the best part of two weeks to reflect on that before returning to action at Rothwell Town.

Ashford dominated the first 20 minutes of last Saturday's match, forcing several early corners, and looked unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty just five minutes in when Scott Todd was pushed in the box by Ross Collins.

Having weathered the storm, Rovers began to play and came close when Danny Lennon evaded two defenders before firing a shot at the goalkeeper.

Despite seeing their half time cup of tea cut short, the second half starting five minutes early, both teams came out firing. Troy Douglin went near for Rovers, while Todd hit a shot wide for the visitors.

Ashford took the lead on 55 minutes, Todd finding a way through Steve Hillman and Collins to set up Steve Willmore to side foot home.

The lead lasted 13 minutes, Szewczyk skipping past goalkeeper Paul Burgess close in to score from two yards.

Rovers had the better of the remaining minutes but were unable to add to their tally.

ROVERS

Lowe 6, Douglin 7, Hillman 7, Collins 6, Benton 7, Mahon 8, LENNON 8*, Benbow 6, Szewczyk 8, Bellingham (sub Hyde 81 mins) 6, Jackson 6. Subs not used: Frost, Gandy, Erraji, Palmer.

Att - 310.