DMW April 8, 2000

WHO said there's a dearth of quality in this league? Well, erm, probably me before I witnessed two gorgeous goals on Saturday.

The first on 13 minutes, unlucky for Rovers, was a cheeky chip over home 'keeper Mark Jones by Tivvy's leading marksman Kevin Nancekivell.

Two minutes after the break, the slender lead was doubled -- in style. Scorer turned creator to set up Scott Rogers, who let fly with an unstoppable 20 yarder.

And while we're talking about excellence, I've seen few own goals better than Nicky Marker's offering nine minutes from time. An attempt to clear sub Graham Brown's cross ended in embarrassment, as the ball spun off the outside of the ex-Blackburn Rovers man's boot and into the net.

Marker's moment of madness gave Rovers, who had matched their third placed opponents throughout Saturday's game at the Victoria Ground, renewed hope of a positive result.

The pressure was on, and manager Steve Daley and his assistant Phil Parkes were clearly infuriated by two refereeing decisions in those vital, final minutes.

Andy Parsons of Leicester failed to award a corner after Tivvy 'keeper Paul Edwards tipped Brown's volley over the bar and then gave a throw despite his assistant's offside signal. The difference? Approximately 60 yards.

"A free kick at that stage would have really helped us,'' said Daley.

"All you need is a knock on or a deflection and you're in with a chance. It was disappointing.''

Daley went on: "We lost to two good goals, but we should have closed them down for the second one. Their player shouldn't have been allowed to run 30 yards without being challenged."

"Jamie Turpin had another excellent game -- he's like a new player. He's a good defender and likes to get forward.''

Rovers' best chances of an entertaining game fell to skipper Mark Bowater, who went close with a couple of headers and forced a good second half stop from Edwards with a opportunist lob.

At the other end, the skilful Nancekivell always looked dangerous and Steve Daly struck the near post with the ball coming to rest in Jones's arms.

Rovers: Jones, Townsend, Ulfig, Turpin, Bowater, Biddle, Davies, Benbow, Sutton, Daley (sub Brown 73), Jinks. Subs (unused): Humphreys. Attendance: 501. Rovers man of the match: Tom Davies.