Saturday, April 19, 2003

BROMSGROVE Rovers produced a gritty performance in difficult conditions and got a much-needed win at Sutton Coldfield Town last Saturday.

A bone-hard pitch and swirling wind made it almost impossible to produce good football, but Bromsgrove adapted better and took the lead on 29 minutes.

Mark Benbow produced a long cross into the box from midfield and Steve Lutz reached it before goalkeeper Bray to head over him and into the empty net.

Lutz almost got a second three minutes later when his shot was cleared before heading Grant Beckett's resulting corner against the bar.

Les Palmer was guilty of missing the target three minutes before half time when he capitalised on a mistake in midfield and took the ball on. With only Bray to beat, he shot too early and weakly, and the wind carried the ball wide.

The second half turned into a dour midfield battle, with few chances carved out.

Bromsgrove's best opening in this period was created by substitute Kevin Banner, who made space on the left and crossed low for Paul Danks, but his shot was cleared off the line.

The Greens had two late scares, the first when goalkeeper Jim McGettrick did well to gather a bouncing chip shot from Simon Tucker on 87 minutes.

Two minutes later, Richie Gardner headed just wide from a corner, but Bromsgrove were full value for the three points.

ROVERS

McGettrick 8, Benbow 8, Ford 8, Collins 8, LUTZ 9*, Pope 7, Dyson 7, Palmer 7 (sub Banner 75 mins 8), Burgess 8, Danks 8, Beckett 8.

Subs not used: Clifton, Hyde, Hackett.

Attendance - 181.