Saturday, October 19, 2002

THE division's two unbeaten records are still intact after a somewhat bruising encounter with Rovers retaining top spot.

Bromsgrove started brightly and Palmer had the first chance of the match in the third minute. Simon Hamilton gave the ball away in midfield, and Palmer skipped away but his shot was saved easily by Mike Payne.

After 13 minutes Rovers returnee, Fraser McHugh, floated in a free kick that Palmer got a touch on, but it took the ball out of reach of the incoming Pope.

Paul Lloyd replaced Grant Beckett on 17 minutes through injury and just a few minutes later Solihull took the lead with only their second attack. Smith pulled the ball back to Corbett to sweep home.

Rovers were quick to respond and just five minutes later a superb piece of play, saw Danks play the ball to Palmer who laid the ball back to McHugh. He in turn chipped the ball over the defence to Danks who continued his run and smashed the ball past Payne in goal.

The Greens took the lead in the 41st minute with McHugh the provider again. This time playing the ball over a static defence, for Danks to once again run through and despatch the ball under the advancing 'keeper.

The second half was a cagey affair fought out in midfield with a few tasty challenges thrown in.

Hamilton's long throws were a constant threat to the Rovers defence and on the hour mark almost paid dividends. A throw was only half cleared by Pope and Titterton pounced only to be denied by Lowe.

After 73 minutes all hell broke loose after Benbow hacked at the ball between a players legs. Solihull's Haywood took exception to the challenge and took matters into his own hands, leaving the referee no option but to send both players off.

The Borough took the initiative and equalised on 83 mins. Once again Hamilton launched a long throw into the box which Lowe dropped as he came to collect and Shepherd gratefully swept the ball home.

Shepherd almost stole a winner for Solihull but Lloyd came to Rovers' rescue with a timely block.

ROVERS

Lowe 5, Benbow 6, Banner 6, Clifton 7, Frost 7, Pope 7, Dyson 6, MCHUGH 9*, Palmer 6 (sub Burgess 60 mins), Danks 8 (sub Read 89 mins), Beckett 5 (sub Lloyd 17 mins).

Report by STEVE RIDDICK