ROVERS saw another cup route blocked off when they suffered a disappointing home defeat in this first round tie.

It was a night of considerable dejection as they once again let a lead slip and were found wanting in so many facets of the game.

The first 20 minutes produced hardly anything of note with Delton Francis the first to cause any hint of a stir in the sparse crowd. But after a positive run past a couple of challenges the opportunity fizzled out with a weakly hit attempt straight at the Swifts 'keeper.

But matters looked to be on the up when Rovers took the lead in the 25th minute. Leon Allen crossed from the left and Ross Collins steered the ball with a controlled header back across

goal and beyond the despairing Aaron O'Malley for his first goal in 43 appearances for the Rovers.

Up to half-time they were clearly the better side with their back four rarely looking in serious trouble.

But following the interval Stourport certainly lifted their game. They were the swifter of the two, both in thought and action, and once they had levelled matters they began to take charge in most areas. Definitely so in midfield where Rovers lost their combative edge and found themselves being forced to play the ball more quickly than they wanted and wasteful.

Ronnie Sayer knocked in Swifts equaliser from close range in the 64th minute after a shot had been blocked on the line but not cleared, and just four minutes substitute Kerry Giddings also scored from close in with Rovers again unable to clear their lines. This time it was after Gandy had partially saved Paul Lloyd's free kick.

From then on it was a struggle Rovers were unable to survive.

Rovers: Gandy (6), Benbow (6), O'Connell (6), Hillman (6), Collins (6), Francis (5), Jackson (6), Mitchell (6), Appleton (7), Banner (6).

Subs: Campbell (for Mitchell 58min), Hayward (for Banner 82), Mahon (Francis 82), How and Erraji (not used).

Att: 114

Referee: Mr R Burton (Kettering)

n Turn to page 111 for a report on Rovers' thrilling 3-3 draw with Marlow.