Saturday, September 7, 2002

THEY may only have played five games but the Dr Martens Western league table shows Bromsgrove Rovers at the top of the pile.

Rovers' fourth win of the campaign came courtesy of a 5-1 demolition of Clevedon Town at the Victoria Ground last Saturday.

Les Palmer, who has scored in all but one of Rovers' fixtures, scored either side of half time as Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side ran riot.

Rovers dominated for large spells and took the lead on 13 minutes when Mark Benbow's cross from the right deceived goalkeeper Steve Weaver and looped into the net.

Kevin Banner and Matt Southwick both had efforts saved mid-way through the half while Clevedon captain, Grantley Dicks, brother of ex-West Ham defender Julian, kept Rovers' forward line at bay.

Rovers were forced into a change on 28 minutes when Ford landed awkwardly on his right and hobbled off. He was replaced by James Dyson and Ross Collins slotted into the back line.

If anything, Dyson added more attacking impetus and the hosts doubled their lead six minutes before half time.

Weaver was once again beaten by a looping effort, this time from the head of Palmer via a defender.

Seven minutes into the second half, Rovers went 3-0 up when Paul Danks was pulled back in the penalty area by Olly Price and Dyson converted the spot kick.

Rovers were cruising and passing the ball about with a confidence born out of scoring in every match this season.

The increasingly impressive Palmer made it four with his second on 69 minutes when he shot in-off the post from 20 yards following a Kevin Banner flick on.

Four minutes later it was 5-0 when substitute Richard Burgess glanced a shot home from a Danks through ball.

Clevedon grabbed a consolation 11 minutes from time when Mark Clifton handled in the penalty box and Steve Vickerman scored from 12 yards.

ROVERS

Lowe 6, Benbow 8, Banner 7, Clifton 6, Brighton 6, Ford (sub Dyson 28 mins 7), Collins 6, Southwick (sub Cartwright 67 mins) 7, PALMER (sub Burgess 70 mins) 8*, Danks 7, Beckett 7. Subs not used: Pope, Read.

Attendance - 466.