DMW April 29, 2000

REVITALISED Rovers saved the best 'til their last home game of the season -- stunning table toppers Stafford with a breathtaking second half comeback.

At 3-1 up just ten minutes after the break, the visitors -- and 500 expectant fans -- looked odds-on favourites to claim the points, and the title.

But they bargained without two ill-timed howlers by 'keeper Richard Williams and a typical close range nod in from supporters' player of the season, Mark Bowater.

The amiable centre half launched the Greens' recovery on 67 minutes, bundling home Ryan Daley's corner at the near post.

Wobbly Williams started acting up seven minutes later, attempting to bounce the ball but carelessly dropping it straight at the feet of Peter Sutton, who gleefully fired home from 15 yards for his 12th goal this term.

On 77 minutes, the visiting custodian was at fault once more, failing to collect John Humphreys's free kick allowing Mark Benbow to scramble home the winner.

Promotion was Stafford's -- but this was Rovers' day and the final whistle was greeted with bear hugs and clenched fists. See, they can do it if they really try.

Steve Daley's side had played well throughout. Tom Davies was outstanding -- again -- and Benbow's goal was a fitting reward for his tireless efforts in attack. And well done to Kevin Jinks, who completed 90 minutes despite a nasty chest infection.

After surviving the inevitable early bombardment, and a missed chance by Jason Smith, Rovers hit the front on 14 minutes. Rangers' defence failed to clear a harmless-looking long range free kick from Jinks and Andy Biddle tidied up from ten yards.

A glorious response arrived eight minutes later, Richard Mitchell met Paul Kiely's cross on the volley and left home 'keeper Mark Jones clutching thin air.

The remainder of the first half saw Stafford on top, but over confidence and poor attacking options left the teams all square at the interval.

Williams abruptly ended a lightning burst from Sutton seconds after the re-start before Rangers regained control. Ex-Rovers man Brett Wilcox made it 2-1 on 52 minutes, netting from inches out after Kiely rounded Jones but inexplicably mis-kicked.

Steve Jones extended the visitors' advantage four minutes later after his namesake couldn't hold onto Smith's shot.

That was as good as it got for Ian Painter's championship chasers. As soon as their hosts pulled one, then two, goals back the writing was on The Shed wall and their all-round play became sloppy and unimaginative.

If the Greens can repeat this performance week in, week out, next season why shouldn't they be challenging for the championship?

Rovers: Jones, Townsend, Jinks, Davies, Bowater, Turpin, Humphreys, Benbow, Sutton, Daley, Biddle. Subs (unused): Parkes, Pincher, Bannister.

Attendance: 851. Rovers MoM: Tom Davies.