BROMSGROVE Rovers have been stunned by the news that goalkeeper Matt Lowe has been hit with a three match suspension and will miss Saturday's derby match at Evesham United (3pm kick off).

The news comes as a hammer blow for manager Jimmy Mullen, who will also be without striker Leon Mitchell for at least two weeks after he limped off during Saturday's defeat to Rothwell Town.

Lowe was reported twice by referee Mr Ramsay, for foul language and foul and abusive language, following a touchline outburst at the referee during the home clash with Bracknell in December.

The 'keeper has already served a two match suspension for his conduct at the game over Christmas, but missed last night's Worcestershire Senior Cup game against Studley and is absent for the clashes against Evesham and Burnham.

Striker Ravi Sangha may ease Rovers' problems up front if he signs before Saturday's derby game.

The hitman could complete his move from Evesham tomorrow (Thursday), after the club put in a seven day bid for him last week to replace the departed Richard Burgess.

Sangha's capture would be a relief for Mullen after a wave of injuries decimated his strike force ahead of their crucial promotion clash at Common Road.

Delton Francis is suffering from a knee problem which may rule him out of the Southern League Division One West game, while Paul Szewczyk is a doubt after the birth of his daughter, Mia, on Saturday morning.

Mullen said: "We're hoping that Ravi signs, but nothing has been set in stone yet.

"But we are desperately short of strikers at the moment and we need cover.

"Losing Delton, Leon and Paul all in one go was a blow and couldn't be predicted."

Sangha left Tipton Town as their top scorer in the West Midlands Premier League last season.

He enjoyed a short spell at Barnt Green Spartak, before moving to Evesham in September.

However, the striker has struggled to nail down a first team place and has only scored four goals.

The Rovers' boss did not rule out bringing in another striker on loan to bolster his shot-shy team.

He said: "I might try and get somebody in on loan as well, but we'll see what happens."

The manager is well aware that Rovers' promotion hopes could suffer if they do not have enough firepower.

The Evesham match is the start of a difficult run of games which could determine Rovers' chances of automatic promotion.

Mullen said: "This is a big, big game for us. Not because promotion is at stake, but because this is a derby."

Rovers are still smarting from their 2-0 home defeat by Evesham in September.

Mullen will also have the difficult task of lifting his players after losing to Rothwell at home on Saturday.

He said: "Several of them did not really play at their best.

"What worried me the most was the way we conceded from a corner."

By Peter McKinney