Saturday, November 18, 2000

THREE sendings off, a dictionary of bookings and a goal from St Kitts International Michael Crawford highlighted a grandstand finish as Atherstone United scored three goals in the last ten minutes to beat Bromsgrove Rovers 3-2 in the Dr Martens League Western Division.

Red cards went to Atherstone's Andy Marlowe and Danny Martin, while Rovers skipper Quentin Townsend was sent off for a spat with Martin once the home side had made it 2-2.

If ever there was a game of two halves, this was it. End-to-end football with all the drama of a West End musical as Crawford -- signed only the night before from Moor Green -- opened the scoring with a far post header from Richard Burgess' corner after 20 minutes. Yet this wasn't Michael Crawford of Phantom of the Opera fame, it was born and bred Brummie Crawford capping a virtuoso first half display at Sheepy Road.

The 21-year-old turned provider on 39 minutes when Bromsgrove doubled their lead. After blocking a goal-bound shot from Atherstone's Gareth Seddon, the calypso kid quickly found himself one on one with Dale Belford at the other end. His effort was parried but Burgess was on hand to finish the job from an acute angle.

Things got even better for Rovers after 62 minutes when Marlowe - a former Rovers player - was given his marching orders for retaliation after a melee when Atherstone chose not to kick the ball into touch following Jamie Turpin's injury.

But then disaster struck. Leon Kelly nodded home Seddon's looping cross to hand Atherstone a lifeline with ten minutes to go.

The home side swept forward and John Newall levelled matters three minutes later when he drilled home from 15 yards as Rovers failed to clear. Atherstone's overzealous celebrations landed Martin and Townsend in hot water as they trundled to the dressing rooms for early showers after their gentlemen's disagreement.

Shell-shocked Bromsgrove were numb, but they were comatose right on full-time when sub Paul White headed the winner from a yard out after Nore Gabbidon could only palm Newell's free kick onto the bar.

Rovers: Gabbidon 6, Crawford 8, Ulfig 6, Townsend 6, S Frost 7, Turpin 6, Benbow 6, Burgess 6, Pountney 6 (Gennard 89), Burrow 7, Biddle 6 (J. Beard 84). Sub not used: Darby.

Star man: Michael Crawford.

Attendance: 250.