Tuesday, March 16, 2004

A GOAL two minutes before half time condemned Bromsgrove Rovers to defeat in this vital match.

George Rooney's side, who have now lost twice by the same score to Gloucester this season, produced a below par performance in a match re-scheduled after the October original fell foul of a power failure.

It would be easy to blame a strong wind or the referee for losing against an average side in a match both needed to win, but ultimately Rovers need look no further than themselves.

And the result seriously questions their chances of securing a coveted top seven spot.

After rising as high as third with a run of four straight victories, Rovers have now only taken one point from a possible nine and are eight points worse off than this time last season. The last thing Rovers want is having to rely on others to slip up.

Things did not get off to a good start when Grant Beckett fouled Lee Smith to concede a penalty five minutes in. Rovers though were let off when Andy Hoskins smashed the spot kick over.

The first half was not all doom and gloom for the hosts. Mark Bellingham tried to work openings and was dangerous with his pace while the defence restricted Gloucester to half chances.

But the visitors scored the only goal of the game on 43 minutes when Hoskins bundled the ball home from Smith's cross.

Rovers' Paul Wyatt was busy in the second half, gathering up efforts from Hoskins, Tom Webb and Jimmy Cox although none looked likely to beat him.

Kevin Banner had the hosts' best chance when he forced Matt Bath into an excellent reflex save down to his right on 50 minutes. Banner also had a shot blocked during a goalmouth scramble late on.

ROVERS

Wyatt 7, Frost 6, Hillman 6, Pope 7, Mahon (sub Benton 84 mins) 7, Beckett 7, Benbow (sub Atkinson 78 mins) 6, Collins 6, Szewczyk 6, BELLINGHAM 7*, Banner 6. Subs not used: Lennon, Gandy, Langford.

Att - 414.