Saturday, October 9, 2004

THIS result was just the tonic for Rovers, their fans and above all for match winner Kevin Banner, who was returning to the fray after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Banner has been struggling to shake off the effects of car crash injuries sustained at the start of the season but all the pain and agony of a slow recovery to match fitness began to fade after his goal secured Rovers a £1,000 winners cheque and a first round home tie with local rivals Halesowen Town on November 6.

The old saying 'Cometh the hour, cometh the man' fitted perfectly on this occasion as Banner slotted home the only goal of the game right on the hour mark.

Not only did it help the midfielder put behind him the trauma of his accident and battle for fitness, it also helped a surprisingly sparse crowd forget a dreadful first 45 minutes.

During that opening half neither side appeared capable of launching anything remotely resembling a serious attack or goalbound attempt. Burnham appeared to be still stuck in the M40 motorway jam which delayed their arrival, while Rovers were just as lethargic and looked as if they had run up a cul-de-sac and couldn't find another gear to reverse the situation.

At times they knocked the ball around neatly in midfield and held possession when they kept it on the ground. But all too often they resorted to high balls down the middle which invariably fell victim to the gusting winds.

To be fair to Rovers they did have three players - Steve Ulfig and Quentin Townsend, from Cinderford, and Leon Allen, ex-Willenhall, - making their debuts, as well as Banner's comeback, and all were obviously in need of a bedding down period.

Revised strategy and a step up in pace after the break did the trick. Rovers made the running and after a series of attacks they deservedly grabbed what was to prove the winner in the 60th minute.

A long clearance from goalkeeper Matt Lowe found the lively Marcus Jackson who neatly controlled and turned in one movement before he put Paul Szewczyk away on the right. The big striker bustled his way past Marvin Bartley's challenge and cut the ball back from the goal-line where Banner, who has had just two substitute appearances this term, edged ahead of two defenders to slot the ball into an empty net from six yards.

Rovers were rarely threatened after this but almost paid for their failure to grab the killer second goal when, with just a handful of minutes remaining, Burnham substitute Ashley Smith met an Adam Logie cross inside the six yard box and looked odds on to secure a replay. Thankfully for the home team and fans he inexplicably fired the ball back across the face of the goal and out of play leaving Rovers ready for a mouth-watering derby.

A far from convincing display from the home team but the defence looked steady throughout in spite of the occasional misunderstanding as the new players settled in. They will be the better for the 90 minutes and the added confidence gained from the result, not forgetting the other plus point of Banner's successful return to the ranks.

Rovers:

Lowe 6, Frost 6, Ulfig 6, Hillman 6, Townsend 6, Allen 6, *Jackson 7, Benbow 6 (Francis 81), Szewczyk 6, Lennon 6 (Howe 65), Banner 6. Subs (not used): Langford, Gandy, Appleton.

Att: 281