Saturday, October 28, 2000

FORGET the result. This was an encouraging performance from a Bromsgrove Rovers side still coming to terms with the sudden departure of manager George Rooney.

In the current climate, a 2-0 Worcestershire Senior Cup defeat to a Moor Green side flying high in fourth place in the Dr Martens League Premier Division is no humiliation. They scrapped and fought for every ball right up until the final whistle.

Rovers started the match confidently, taking the game to the home side on a superb playing surface which defied the torrential rain that was to follow. Nimble striker Richard Burgess saw his shot was palmed away by goalkeeper Andy De Bont, while Mark Benbow watched his free kick swerve wide of the right post.

But just when it seemed like Rovers could take a surprise lead, they went behind on 17 minutes. Jamie Petty's pass sent Jae Martin through and he beat Joe Beard for pace and drilled a firm shot past the advancing Nore Gabbidon. The goal handed Moor Green the ascendancy, with Petty and Craig Woodley exposing further gaps in Rovers' back line.

The Moors doubled their lead three minutes after the break. Richard Robinson found Adrian Baddams who jinked past three Rovers defenders inside the area and beat Gabbidon with style.

But Rovers kept plugging away. Marc Burrow and Andy Biddle both spurned chances while at the other end Gabbidon had to be alert to keep out Petty, while substitute John Humphrey was in the right place at the right time to clear Martin's shot.

Rovers: Gabbidon 7, J. Beard 6 (Humphrey 65, 7), Ulfig 7, Townsend 7, S Frost 6, Cameron 6 (Turpin 48, 6), Benbow 7, Burgess 7, Pountney 7 (J Rogers 72), Burrow 8, Biddle 7.

H Star man: Marc Burrow.

Attendance: 123.