A GOAL from Arthur Appleton, just past the hour mark, settled this rough-and tumble-tussle against league leaders Taunton at Wordsworth Drive.

On a heavy pitch, The Peacocks made the early running with Grantley Dicks testing keeper Matt Lowe with a effort on goal after four minutes.

Two minutes later, Ben Camara capitalised on a mistake by Ross Collins, but Steve Hillman got across to block the strike's attempt.

On eight minutes, Rovers carved out a glorious chance to take the lead.

Appleton broke down the right, his cross-found Leon Mitchell in the box unmarked, all he had to do was control the ball, but went for the spectacular finish and missed the ball completely and the chance went begging.

Anthony Lynch missed from inside the six-yard area with a free header on 10 minutes.

Lowe was called into action, turning a header from his own defender Collins around the post four minutes later.

Ryan Mahon made a hash of a simple clearance from

Dean Stevens cross in the area, but luckily it also out- foxed the Taunton strikers Camara and Lynch as they closed in.

Appleton had a header cleared off the line by Alex Watson meeting a far post cross by Nicky Campbell after 28 minutes.

Lowe denied Camara twice in as many minutes in separate incidents at the end of the half, just managing to get a touch on the ball as the striker was poised to head home from crosses.

Jason Rees fired over the bar from a free kick on 53 mins, Rees provided Dale Peckham with another chance three minutes later, but the defender headed the pin-point free kick over the bar.

On 61 minutes, Mitchell outpaced Leandro Peduto down the right, his cross was met by Appleton, his deft flick past the advancing keeper Kenny Griffiths. The referee's assistant signalled that the ball had

crossed the line before Watson cleared the ball away. Mahon then saw his 25-yarder tipped over the crossbar by Griffiths on 70 minutes as Rovers grew in confidence.

Mitchell then set up Campbell, but his effort was well held by the keeper.

Taunton were applying pressure - pushing forward looking for an equaliser, but their final pass was letting them down.

Lowe had to make a point-blank save from Lynch nine minutes from time to claim all three points for Bromsgrove.

Bromsgrove Rovers: Lowe (7), Benbow (5 ), Ulfig ( 5 ), Hillman (6),Collins(6), Mahon (6), Jackson (5), Allen (5), Mitchell (7), Appleton (8), Campbell (5). Subs not used: Banner, Jackson, Francis, Erraji, Gandy

Referee: Mr M. Adkins (Saltash) 5.