OUTSTANDING. That's the only way to describe Bromsgrove Rovers 1-0 triumph over Droylsden in last night's FA Umbro Trophy round one replay at the Victoria Ground.

From goalkeeper Nore Gabbidon through to striker Richard Burgess, each Rovers man was desperate to beat their Unibond Premier League Premier Division opponents - and how it showed.

Their night was almost spoiled by some shocking decisions from referee Chris Sarginson, who booked two Droylsden players in a heated second half but then shied away from showing Stuart Corns a red card when the striker twice threw punches in Craig Pountney's direction.

But Rovers won the overall battle with an awesome blend of crunching tackles, neat football and sheer determination. Andy Biddle epitomised all that was good about the stubborn home side as he stepped out from the shadows of his team mates to put in a match-winning performance.

There were ten other heroes though, although none of them scored - the goal came courtesy of Droylsden's John Stannard on 40 minutes. He scuffed an attempted clearance from the edge of his own area and could only watch in horror as the ball looped high over keeper Paul Phillips into the net.

If Saturday's first match between the two sides was a game of two halves, this one followed a similar pattern.

Rovers dominated long spells of the first half and enjoyed the best chances in the second. Twice Burgess should have finished Droylsden off in the closing minutes of the game but his finishing let him down.

Managerless Rovers should feel proud of themselves. They put on their best display of the season to set up a second round clash away to either Lancaster or Racing Club Warwick. Whoever steps into the Rovers hot-seat should be licking their lips.

Rovers: Gabbidon, J Beard, Ulfig, S Frost, Townsend, Turpin, Benbow, Burgess, Pountney, Burrow, Biddle.

Subs not used: N Cooksey, Wright, J Rogers, G Rogers, Bates.

Attendance: 185.

Rovers man of the match: Andy Biddle.