DMW January 3, 2000

ROVERS launched the new century with a rare draw at soggy Townsend Meadow on Monday.

Both sides gave everything in appalling conditions, producing a game that may have lacked quality, but wasn't short on commitment or enthusiasm.

Steve Daley's side held the lead three times, only to give it away through a penalty, breakaway and a defenders' away day.

With just three minutes gone, the Greens hit the front courtesy of Steve Ulfig's firm header from a Kevin Ashley free kick.

Their joy was short-lived, however, as Simon Windsor levelled with a tenth minute spot kick after Ashley was ruled to have handled the ball on the ground.

Rovers were forced to regroup on 15 minutes, Tom Davies replacing injury victim Graham Brown, but they turned a promising spell of pressure into a 30th minute goal. Quentin Townsend netted his first for the club from close range following Ryan Daley's corner.

Still Warwick refused to yield. The persistent Windsor fired over when well placed and, deep into injury time, Geoff Amos sprinted clear of the Greens defence and beat Gabbidon with consummate ease.

Another penalty, this time a clear-cut clattering from behind on Davies, earned Rovers their third goal on 55 minutes, Ashley making no mistake from the spot.

The lead lasted barely a minute. Rovers failed to clear their lines following a free kick and Amos rammed home the loose ball.

Greedy fans expecting more goals were to be disappointed. The visitors came closest when Peter Sutton fired wide with only the goalkeeper to beat, a chance created by the excellent Mark Benbow.

Rovers: Gabbidon, Townsend, Ulfig, Ashley, Bowater, Jinks, Brown (sub Davies 15), Rochester (sub Hunter 71), Sutton, Daley, Benbow.

BIAttendance: 220. Rovers man of the match: Mark Benbow.