BROMSGROVE Rovers begin their FA Cup trail this Saturday in confident mood after keeping their third consecutive clean sheet with a 2-0 victory at Rugby United on Monday.

Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's team's road to Cardiff begins with a trip to Midland Alliance side Barwell, a team they failed to beat on two occasions last season, in the preliminary round of the world's most famous cup competition.

But, despite their record against the Leicestershire side, Rovers have every reason to believe they can do well as the result at Rugby United was the best performance they have delivered this season.

Les Palmer and Richard Burgess were on target in the first half as Rovers despatched a disappointing United side to make it three wins from four so far this term.

Hackett said: "We looked very confident in the first half. When we hit teams on the break we cut them to shreds.

"If you keep a clean sheet you don't lose a football match. We have continued on from last season and we are defensively very strong.

"We have taken ten points from 12 and we could not have asked for anymore.

"We are looking forward to the FA Cup and it is a break from the league."

The Rovers joint boss was also full of praise for Les Palmer, who's opener was his third goal in as many games.

"Les Palmer was the catalyst. He produced good link up play and put a good ball through for Richard Burgess' goal," Hackett added.

"When Les plays well he is as good as any player in this league."

But Rovers will be without loan signing Ross Collins on Saturday as Halesowen Town do not want him to play as he would be cup tied.

The Greens will also be aware that they failed to beat Barwell in the Midland Alliance last season, only managing one point from a possible six.

Barwell won 3-0 at the Victoria Ground last November and held Rovers to a 1-1 draw in the return last February.

Full Rugby match report - page 93.

Rovers v Shepshed - page 92.