DMW January 8, 2000

A PERFECTLY placed volley, two calmly executed one-on-ones and a long range strike destined for the top corner as soon as it left the player's boot.

Who said there's no quality in the Western Division?

After four defeats and a frustrating draw at Warwick, Rovers rewarded their loyal fans with an excellent all-round display.

Three-up at half time, Steve Daley's side, featuring just one change from their previous outing, could have at least doubled their tally after the break but had to settle for Peter Sutton's second goal of the afternoon.

Sutton should have been an easy choice for man of the match. However, he was pipped at the far post by midfielder John Humphreys, who shrugged off an injury scare to keep exploiting those vast open spaces down the right flank. Oh, and he also scored that volley.

One place above second from bottom Paget on Saturday morning, Rovers pressured their visitors from the start, hitting the front with 11 minutes gone. After a promising move faltered, the ball broke to an unmarked Kevin Ashley, who smashed it into the top corner from 25 yards for his first (well, he thinks so) goal in open play for the Greens.

Humphreys got in on the act four minutes later, completing a one-two with Mark Benbow with a volley that left Rangers' goalkeeper Tony Rowe clutching thin air.

With both heads and tails up, Rovers sought to add to their lead and put the game far beyond Paget's reach. Sutton beat the fragile offside trap for number three on 27 minutes and his striking partner Benbow headed over from close range when he should have waited for the ball to fall at his feet.

Paget's sole first half effort fell to their best player, Tony Brisco, who was foiled by Danny Rochester's well-timed challenge.

Visiting skipper Adam Whitehouse forced a rare save from Nore Gabbidon just after the break, then the home side quickly snatched a fourth. Benbow burst down the right and passed to Sutton, who kept his nerve to slip the ball under Rowe's body.

The age-old problem of failing to clear their lines allowed Stuart Clark to guide home a 60th minute consolation, but it didn't knock Rovers off their stride.

Mark Bowater's header crashed against the bar, Rowe made breathtaking stops from Sutton and Humphreys and last, but definitely least, defender Quentin Townsend blasted over with only Rowe to beat. I think we'll let him off.

Rovers: Gabbidon, Townsend, Ulfig, Ashley, Bowater, Rochester, Humphreys, Benbow, Sutton, Daley, Jinks (sub Davies 45). Subs (unused): Wilkins, Hunter.

Attendance: 379. Rovers man of the match: John Humphreys.