DMW April 1, 2000

AFTER watching this game on Saturday and a mind-numbing FA Cup semi-final 24 hours later, it's a wonder I haven't lost the will to live.

But, as every gloating Villan is quick to point out, it's the result that counts. When you've conceded nine goals in the past two games, a score-less draw could be viewed as something of an achievement.

The star of The Dovecote 'show' was Rovers new 'keeper Mark Jones, The ink was barely dry following his hastily arranged signing from Burton Albion when the burly body-builder started chucking himself around, thwarting a side still under threat of relegation.

Although early efforts from the homesters were fairly harmless, Sierra Leone international Ibrahim Bah was an increasing threat. By winning possession, he created his own 18th minute opening, letting fly from 20 yards with a shot that Jones saved well down to his right.

Bah also posted a free kick over the bar before Jones was called into action once more before the break. Dave Pearson's close range effort was blocked and Lee McGlinchey's well struck shot from outside the box was matched by a one-handed tip over the bar.

Rovers' attacking forays in the first period failed to bother Dynamo 'keeper Damien Beattie and Peter Sutton let himself down with a rushed, weak shot after a strong burst down the left.

Both sides upped the tempo after the interval with Shepshed always looking more likely to score. However, the new recruit had one more ace up his sleeve, blocking sub Scott McGregor's shot with his legs four minutes from time.

At the other end, Beattie remained unruffled as Steve Ulfig and Mark Benbow wasted straightforward chances.

Not a thriller, but Rovers worked hard throughout and one definite high point was the return of defender Jamie Turpin, out for 16 months after breaking his leg.

"It was nice to see Jamie back and I feel he made a difference to our play. We'll be sticking to the 3-5-2 formation until the end of this season as it worked quite well,'' said chief executive Pat Bannister.

"You couldn't fault the players for their efforts, especially against a side who have picked up a bit recently, and it was a big improvement on the Moor Green game.''

Rovers: Jones, Townsend, Ulfig, Turpin (sub Ashley 90), Bowater, Biddle, Davies, Benbow, Sutton, Daley, Jinks. Subs (unused): Humphreys, Brown.

Attendance: 152. Rovers man of the match: Mark Jones.