BROMSGROVE Rovers clung on to third position in the Dr Martens Western despite a 3-1 defeat by struggling Swindon Supermarine at the Victoria Ground.

Last Saturday's result, which saw Steve Lutz sent off and a half time scuffle in the tunnel, ensured Swindon survived the drop while Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side stayed third by virtue of goal difference from Solihull Borough.

Rovers had the first chance when Les Palmer's tame shot was intercepted by Chris Copp after a poor clearance had fallen to him 30 yards out.

Swindon scored against the run of play on ten minutes. Dave Toomey cut in from the right and drilled a low shot past Jim McGettrick from 15 yards.

The visitors should have doubled their lead on 21 minutes but James Carter headed over from close range.

Dyson levelled the scores on 38 minutes from the penalty spot after the ball had deflected onto the raised arm of Shaun Terry.

The half ended on a sour note as Lutz was dismissed for the hosts following an off the ball incident with Barry Matthews.

As the players left the field at the break, a scuffle broke out in the tunnel area, forcing the referee to talk to both sets of managers.

The visitors began the second half looking to take advantage of the extra man, but Matthews' 30-yard shot easily saved by McGettrick was the best they could manage.

Richard Burgess found the net for the hosts on the hour, but was ruled offside.

Supermarine took the lead with Toomey's second on 63 minutes. A long free-kick from the left was headed back across goal by Darren McCluskey and Toomey's mis-hit shot rolled in off the far post.

Steve Pope nearly brought Bromsgrove back on level terms when he volleyed Grant Beckett's corner narrowly over.

But Swindon secured the points and league survival when Ross Collins was adjudged to push Carter in the area and Giles Harris converted the resulting penalty on 80 minutes.

ROVERS

McGettrick 6, Benbow 6, Ford 5 (sub Banner 67 mins 6), Collins 6, Lutz 6, Pope 6, DYSON 7*, Palmer 5 (sub Frost 46 mins 5), Burgess 6 (sub Clifton 75 mins), Danks 6, Beckett 6. Subs not used: Hyde, Broadhurst.

Attendance - 474.

Report by ADRIAN FOX.