Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves 6 Atherstone Reserves 5

ROVERS' new look second string made an explosive start to the season in the Midland Combination Reserve Division on Saturday.

A team containing only one regular from the side that finished runners-up last season, Oliver O'Connell came from two goals down to win.

Two goals in ten minutes had put Atherstone ahead, but strikes by Matt Florida and James Forrest levelled the scores by half time.

Atherstone edged ahead in the 52nd minute, but Forest scored again.

Hat-trick hero Dominic Hayes then pounced in the 60th, 80th and 81st minutes, before Atherstone grabbed a consolation effort. Rovers take on Gresley away on Saturday, August 27 (2.45pm kick off).