FAT round one October 9, 1999

THE tie was enthralling, the result a disaster for Rovers, who must now abide by that tired old clich and concentrate on making their mark in the Western Division.

Town, who had probably expected an easier first round run-out, were flattered by the final scoreline as they were served three goals on a plate.

Giveaway number one arrived barely 30 seconds into Saturday's game at the Victoria Ground. Greens centre half Mark Bowater handled Richard Crisp's cross and the Yeltz skipper stepped up to convert the inevitable spot kick.

Bulky striker Clinton Thomas headed a fifth minute opportunity wide before Steve Daley's side levelled on 11 minutes.

All credit to the assistant referee on the Birmingham Road side of the pitch, who spotted a visiting defender tugging Richard Ball's shirt and steadfastly refused to put his flag down. Eventually, the penalty was given and Ball dusted himself off to calmly place the ball in Daniel McDonnell's bottom corner.

Rovers were right back in it, or so you thought, until Thomas punished slack marking to volley beyond the reach of home keeper Derek Dudley with 13 minutes gone.

After a frenetic start, the pace dropped dramatically but the number of decent chances didn't. Thomas was denied by Dudley then missed an open goal while Ryan Daley and Richard Congrave also went close.

Two minutes into the second half, Halesowen extended their lead courtesy of a second generous gift. Dudley let Crisp's optimistic high cross slip through his fingers, allowing Lyndon Rowland to tuck away the loose ball.

And still the drama wasn't over. Ball's far post follow up to Bowater's blocked header reduced the arrears and, from then on, a second round berth was anybody's.

Rovers survived a worrying spell of Yeltz pressure to create a glorious chance to equalise 11 minutes from time but, instead of tapping the ball home from six yards, Congrave inexplicably blasted over.

Talk about the turning point -- three minutes later Town were in front through Steve Ulfig's own goal and they put the match further beyond reach with Thomas' second of the game in injury time.

The home side were understandably shattered -- and higher ranked Halesowen very relieved indeed.

Rovers: Dudley, Ashley, Ulfig, Bytheway, Bowater, Dodd, Cooper, Ball, Congrave, Daley, Benbow (sub Bannister 73). Subs (unused): Davies, Jinks, Cummings, Gabbidon.

Attendance: 509. Rovers man of the match: Richard Ball.