Saturday, October 16, 2004

DISJOINTED Rovers disappointingly slumped to their first home defeat of the season against county rivals Evesham, who certainly seem to enjoy life on the road.

Always more alert and aware, Evesham fully deserved to win - what was their fourth success in five away games to date, with the other drawn.

As for Rovers it looks like a distinct case of getting back to basics and ensuring they do the simple things correctly. Too often their passing was wayward - either over or underhit, and too often gave away possession to a side that was always quick to counter attack.

To be fair Rovers did begin quite brightly but once the visitors had grabbed two goals in seven minutes they were always chasing the game.

On both occasions Rovers' defence went absent inside their own penalty area as Grant Pinkney (11 min) and Ravi Sangha (17) took full advantage of the acres of space gifted to them.

Rovers' forwards never had the same luxury and although a Paul Szewczyk 48th minute penalty threw them a brief lifeline, after he'd been pulled back the visitors wrapped the points up with a well struck goal from Gavin O'Toole.

Rovers: Lowe (6), Frost (6), Ulfig (5), Hillman (6), Townsend (5), allen (6), Jackson (6), Benbow (5), Szewczyk (7), Campbell (5), Lennon (5).

Substitutes: Appleton ( Lennon 58 min), Collins (Ulfig 58), Francis (Townsend 89), Mitchell, Gandy (not used).

Bookings: Jackson (foul 65).

Referee: M Cairns (Northampton)

Att: 232