Saturday, December 16, 2000

BROMSGROVE Rovers' disastrous Dr Martens League Western Division campaign continued in a 3-1 defeat to Mangotsfield United at the Victoria Ground.

But it was harsh on The Greens. After making all the running in the second period, they were hit by the sucker punch and floored by two late goals against the run of play.

The visitors took the lead after seven minutes. Rob Claridge headed a right-wing cross against the post and Nicky Brooks slotted home the rebound.

Five minutes later Rovers should have scored when Shaun Bedward was put through, his shot was parried by 'keeper Paul Thompson and Richard Burgess couldn't capitalise on the loose ball.

At the other end, David Elsey and Darren Edwards both hit the woodwork.

Bedward and Burgess combined well but Burgess shot into the side netting when Bedward was better placed.

Five minutes before the interval the attacking duo handed Bromsgrove a lifeline. Confusion reigned supreme in Mangotfield's defence, Bedward's shot was blocked but Burgess' second attempt hit a grounded defender and looped over Thompson into the net.

The goal gave Rovers belief and new signing Marcus McDonald hit a shot wide as Mangotsfield started to panic.

Bromsgrove came out in the second half with three points to prove and winger Craig Pountney, on as sub for the ineffectual McDonald, led the way. Burgess' touch put him in sight of goal on the hour and although he rounded Thompson, he was unable to guide his shot home from an acute angle.

Pountney almost turned the game on its head when Bedward set him free but he scuffed his shot. It proved to be his last offering as he went off injured with quarter of an hour left.

But with seven minutes remaining, Mangotsfield substitute Noel O'Sullivan finished with a side-footed shot after Rovers failed to clear a free-kick. Edwards wrapped it up on the stroke of full-time with a toe-poke past the advancing Olden.

Rovers: Olden 7, M Beard 6, Ulfig 7, Rowe 6, S Frost 6, McDonald 5 (Pountney 46, 7) (J Beard 74), Benbow 6, Burgess 7, Bedward 7, Crawford 6, Biddle 8.

Star man: Andy Biddle.

Attendance: 256.