BROMSGROVE Rovers turned on a superb display to thump high-flying Rugby United 5-1 in the Dr Martens Western Division.

A masterful brand of football from George Rooney's at Butlin Road enabled them to exact revenge for a home defeat in September.

Rovers took a controversial lead after 22 minutes. Marcus Jackson cut inside and unleashed a vicious shot that hit Gary Redgate on the hand.

Referee R. Steans pointed to the penalty spot and was surrounded by protesting Rugby players, Redgate receiving his marching orders for foul and abusive language. Steve Pope relinquished his duties to James Dyson, who sent goalkeeper Jason Pearcey the wrong way.

The Greens were playing delightful football, and Ryan Mahon on his league debut in midfield was everywhere.

Rovers doubled their lead on half time. Paul Szewczyk found Danny Scheppel with a cross field ball, his cross found Atkinson whose shot was blocked by Gary Moran but the loose ball fell to Jackson to rifle the ball past Pearcey from the edge of the area. Controversy continued as the referee sent off Rugby manager Tony Dobson who was still arguing the first goal.

After the break Rugby tried to come back into the game. Justin Marsden had an effort saved by Paul Wyatt and then Robbie Beard latched onto a short header back to Wyatt by Steve Hillman and rolled the ball into the empty net but it was ruled out for offside.

But on 66 minutes it was 3-0 when Kevin Banner's cross was flicked home by Szewczyk at the near post.

Seven minutes later Szewczyk's shot was saved by Pearcey's legs but Banner latched on to the loose ball and from 25 yards out curled it into the top corner.

On 82 minutes Jackson put a fine ball down the line for Banner and he drew the keeper and unselfishly rolled the ball into Szewczyk's path for a tap in.

Rugby got a consolation in time added on, Jamie Williams turning in Aaron Shanahan's cross at the near post.

Rovers: Wyatt 7, H Mahon 8, Hillman 7, Pope 7, Benton 7 (Frost 67, 6), Dyson 8, Jackson 7, Scheppel 8, Szewczyk 8, Banner 8, Atkinson 7 (Swan 80). Subs not used: Gandy, Beckett, Dawson. Attendance: 299.