A KEVIN Banner goal gave Bromsgrove Rovers a local derby victory at Evesham United last night.

Banner's strike right on half time was enough to give George Rooney's side their fourth straight Dr Martens Western win and keep them in a coveted top seven spot.

It was a match of precious few clear cut chances and also saw Evesham skipper Lee Knight sent off for two bookable offences.

A one-minute silence was impeccably observed before kick-off in memory of Dr Martens League assistant referee Tony Nether who died last week.

In typical derby style, the first half featured tight midfield battles and it took Rovers over half an hour to force a corner.

Knight got his first caution on 23 minutes when he was rightfully shown yellow for blatant dissent towards the referee.

Danny Williams and Grant Pinkney both had good chances for the hosts before the break, Paul Wyatt saving from Williams with his feet.

But it was the visitors who scored with their first effort on goal. A cross from the right caused a defensive mix-up in the middle of the Evesham penalty area, allowing the ball to find its way through to Banner and he drilled it past Tim Clarke.

The game opened up in the second half but chances were still few. Clarke was never really troubled by Rovers while the hosts' best effort saw former Rover Peter Sutton have his fizzing shot pushed wide by Wyatt late on.

Knight got his marching orders with five minutes left after being booked for a foul.

ROVERS

Wyatt 7, Frost 6, Hillman 6, Pope 6, Douglin 7, BECKETT 7*, Jackson 6, Collins 7, Szewczyk 6, Benbow 6, Banner 7. Subs nots used: Lennon, Tomkins, Benton, Atkinson, Gandy.

Att - 232.