Saturday, August 19, 2000

NEW boss George Rooney's "toughest job" began with defeat as Bromsgrove Rovers lost 3-1 against Rugby United in their first Dr Martens League Western Division game of the new season.

A Bromsgrove side containing the majority of last season's squad and some new faces didn't lack for effort.

But after taking the lead in the first half they never looked like extending it and the visitors came back to win with some ease.

Rovers took the lead on 37 when new signing Dean Joinson, formerly with West Brom, fired home a 25-yarder after receiving the ball from Peter Sutton. Joinson's shot bobbled in front of Rugby's 'keeper Paul Beresford giving him no chance.

Joinson and Sutton were Rovers' most productive players with Joinson putting in a busy performance on his debut and Sutton worked very hard as the loan striker before the second half introduction of Richard Ball.

Rugby were stunned into life after going behind and quickly replied. With the half-time whistle being delayed because of stoppages due to a number of niggly injuries requiring attention, the visitors scored twice in what was a six-minute injury time.

Robbie Beard met a Darren Towers centre and his header found Scott Makin who beat Nore Gabbidon in the home goal from close range.

With time running out in the opening half sub John Halford swung over a free-kick that ex-Kidderminster defender Nigel Niblett flicked on. Gabbidon was nowhere as Marvin Marston looped a header into the net.

Although Rovers continued to press in the second half, in the whole game they won 13 corners to Rugby's two, the visitors added to their lead after the hour mark. A throw-in was flicked on by Makin and Towers beat Gabb-idon who should have done better in his efforts to keep a weak shot out.

Rooney, having already brought Richard Ball into the action at the expense of Andy Biddle, introduced Matt Beard into the action. Beard created a few opportunities for his colleagues but in the end Rovers had to settle for an opening day defeat, something they would've hoped to avoid after the turmoil of the last campaign.

Rovers: Gabbidon 5, Frost 6, Ulfig 6, Townsend 6, Joinson 7, Millard 6, Burrow 6, Benbow 6, Sutton 7, Biddle 5 (Ball 55, 6), Wills 6 (Beard 72). Sub not used: Turpin.

H Star man: Dean Joinson.

Attendance: 375.