Bromsgrove Rovers (2) 6

Rushall Olympic (0) 0

Midland Football Alliance

WHAT a result this was. After last Tuesday's disappointing 3-2 defeat at Shifnal Town, Rovers put on their best performance of the season in front of their highest gate of the new campaign.

And it was well deserved. Rushall were dubbed one of the favourites for the Alliance title, but they were simply annihilated by a Bromsgrove side that meant business.

With the addition of on-loan Evesham United duo Steve Pope and Russell Parmenter, Rovers took time to get into gear.

But once they found their stride with the opening goal after 31 minutes, there was no looking back. Matt Coppin stroked the ball under keeper Danny Tipton after a neat one-two with Michael Moore.

Bromsgrove doubled their lead three minutes later through Sam Bowen's far-post header off Moore's pinpoint cross.

Moore laid on Rovers third on the hour, playing another wall pass, this time with Fraser McHugh, who beat Tipton with ease.

Goal of the game

McHugh grabbed the goal of the game on 67 minutes with a solo run that was a joy to watch. Starting wide on the right touchline, McHugh danced past three Rushall defenders before slipping the ball under Tipton with ease.

The goals didn't stop there. Rovers poured forward and they were rewarded with a fifth after 78 minutes. Coppin, a constant threat in midfield, threaded the ball through to Moore and he centred for Bowen to tap home his second of the game.

Bowen's hat-trick was sealed six minutes from time when Coppin's effort, which was heading goal bound anyway, was converted by the former Worcester City striker for his ninth goal in six games. Rushall defender Wayne Lloyd was then sent off for foul and abusive language towards the linesman, believing Bowen's goal was off-side.

And let's not forget the defence -- this was only Bromsgrove's second clean sheet of the season.

Rovers: Lowe, Lynch (sub Porter 84 mins), Lloyd, Pope, Ford, Brookes (sub Sumnall 84 mins), Coppin, McHugh, Bowen, M Moore (sub Banner 79 mins), Parmenter.

Rovers man of the match: Matt Coppin.

Attendance: 365. Report by CHRIS VAUGHAN.