AFTER a 70 minute stalemate, a typically charged derby game burst into life with three goals in four minutes midway through the second half.

United boss Rod Brown had thrown on striker Chris Rowell for an ineffective Naved Arshad in the 59th minute and the switch proved inspired for the hosts, who edged a tight game.

When Richard Burgess lost possession for Rovers on the halfway line, Jimmy Quiggan streaked down the left and picked out Rowell who reached the byline and whipped in a cross which deflected off a backpedalling Steve Frost for Quiggan to fire into the roof of the net at the far post.

The league leaders were back on level terms within two minutes and, inevitably, it was former Reds hero Paul Danks who popped up to score after a goalkeeping howler from Richard Anstiss.

A lofted ball into the box was heading for the Redditch keeper who inexplicably dropped it under no pressure, allowing Danks to score into an empty net.

His celebration prompted a mini pitch invasion but the Rovers celebrations were shortlived with the hosts back on top within seconds.

Rowell was again the provider, his inviting curling cross from the right tempting Bromsgrove keeper Matt Lowe off his line but escaping his clutching fingers for Matty Hall to blast home into an unguarded net at the far post.

Bromsgrove's former Red Gary Hackett threw on two subs in an effort to steal a late winner but it was United who came closest to adding another when a speculative shot from the lively Rowell looped up off Morgan Brookes and narrowly over Lowe's crossbar.

The Reds had been indebted to Anstiss when he plunged to block at the feet of Danks in the 31st minute but it was Brown's men who missed the best chance of an uninspiring first half.

Two minutes after Frost headed wide from a corner, Arshad fluffed his control from a delightful Hall cross and was left holding his head in his hands.

The hosts pushed forward after the break with Quiggan, Nicky Clarke and Cowley threatening before the goalrush started.

The game ended on a sour note for the hosts when defender Neil Manton was sent off in the 90th minute for his second yellow card, the result of a scything tackle on Frost when the ex-United star was in full flight.

But the Red half of a bumper 667 gate roared their approval at the final whistle as their side climbed one place to seventh and will have taken as much satisfaction from denting their arch rivals' title challenge.

Rovers still lead the table from Merthyr by three points but the Welshmen now have a game in hand.