Saturday, November 11, 2000

A SOLITARY goal from former Blackburn Rovers player Nicky Marker was enough to give eighth-placed Tiverton Town maximum points at Bromsgrove Rovers in the Dr Martens League Western Division on Saturday.

The visitors took early control of the game, with Nore Gabbidon saving low from Phil Everett in the first minute.

Rovers weathered the early storm from their Devonian opponents and were unlucky not to take the lead on seven minutes, Marc Burrow just failing to connect with Richard Burgess' left wing cross.

Burrow was in action two minutes later in a defensive role, clearing Marker's header off the line.

The experienced Marker again went close from the resulting corner, but made Bromsgrove pay with his third chance.

On 21 minutes, Dave Toomey's right wing corner was flicked on by Everett at the near post and the unattended Marker had the easiest of chances from four yards.

Rovers battled hard, but never tested Paul Edwards in the Tiverton goal and the visitors went close to extending their lead on the stroke of half time, but Gabbidon was equal to Steve Ovens' shot from the edge of the area.

The home team attempted to get back on level terms at the start of the second half, Steve Ulfig saw a goalbound header deflected for a corner.

Midway through the second half a surging run from defence by Steve Frost created a chance for Craig Poutney, but the Rover's forward shot wide.

Rovers were worthy of a share of the points on their second half endeavour, but were restricted to further long range efforts from Burgess and Andy Biddle as the visitors packed the defence to secure the points.

Rovers: Gabbidon 7, J. Beard 6, Ulfig 7, Townsend 8, Frost 7, Turpin 5 (Cameron 46, 6), Benbow 6, Burgess 7, Pountney 6, Burrow 7, Biddle 6. Subs not used: Phillpott, Bates.

H Star man: Quentin Townsend.

Attendance: 422.

Meanwhile, a minute's silence was held before kick-off on Saturday in memory of two former Rovers' players who recently passed away, Bill 'Nodder' Oldnall and Bob Kendall.

Oldnall was club record goalscorer until Chris Hanks beat the record in the early 1990's.