TWO goals from Paul Szewczyk put Bromsgrove Rovers into the Dr Martens League Cup second round at the expense of Western Division rivals Halesowen Town last night.
The 6ft 2in hitman struck in each half for a 2-1 victory and set up a trip to Cinderford Town.
Looking dangerous going forward early on, Halesowen took the lead after 21 minutes following good work from Simon Hollis. The midfielder ran the best part of 60 yards before playing in Leon Mitchell who hit the ball past Paul Wyatt.
The lead lasted just four minutes. Michael Swann's blocked shot fell nicely into Szewczyk's path and he calmly struck the ball past Mark Sheils.
Rovers saw a chance of taking the lead sqaundered by captain Steve Pope on 34 minutes. Swann was bundled over clumsily in the penalty area but Pope crashed the spot kick against the crossbar. The ball fell back into play but nobody could convert during a goalmouth scramble.
The hosts could have been made to pay just before half time but Mark Hallam's header was saved one-handed by Wyatt.
George Rooney's men were ahead seven minutes into the second half. Swann crossed into the box and Szewczyk held off his man before turning and drilling the ball past Sheils.
Two minutes later Halesowen could have been level but for Chris Dawson's clearance off the line from Hollis.
Swann had the best chance to make the result comfortable for Rovers when he hit the post with ten minutes left.
Hallam and Hollis hit shots wide for the visitors as they tried to force extra time.
Rovers: Wyatt 7, Frost 6, Hillman 7, Pope 7 (Hill 55, 7), Mahon 6, Dyson 7, Dawson 6, Scheppel 6, SZEWCZYK 8, Banner 6, Swann 7 (Langford 82). Subs not used: Ruck, Gandy, Atkinson.
Attendance: 288.
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