BROMSGROVE Rovers' slim Dr Martens Western promotion hopes were virtually extinguished with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Cirencester Town.

Weston-Super-Mare, 12 points ahead of fifth place Rovers in the Dr Martens Western, now only need a point to stop Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side gaining their second successive promotion.

Jim McGettrick replaced injured Matt Lowe in goal for last Saturday's visit to the Corinium Stadium, as Rovers named the same out field players from the 2-1 victory over Mangostfield.

They started brightly with Steve Lutz having a header cleared off the line inside two minutes but The Centurions replied with Lee Knight and Andy Minturn both going close before McGetterick pushed Gareth Hopkins' effort past the post.

Rovers' Ross Collins and Cirencester's Andy McCabe escaped punishment after squaring up to each other following an off the ball incident midway through the half.

Cirencester were in complete control by the end of the first half and the pressure finally told on 36 minutes. Nick Beaverstock played a through ball inside the Rovers back line, Knight chested the ball down, cut inside the area and despatched a shot under McGettrick.

The Centurions nearly doubled their lead three minutes later when Dave Hunt crashed a 30-yard thunderbolt onto the outside of the post.

A rare attack by Rovers on 41 minutes saw Kevin Banner's free-kick curl just over the bar.

Right on half time Rovers almost stole an equaliser when Danks' shot on the turn squirmed under Mark Hervin, hit the post and went wide.

The second and killer goal arrived on 63 minutes. Knight floated over a corner, Rovers failed to clear, McCabe controlled the loose ball before side stepping a tackle and rifling the ball into the roof of the net.

Cirencester had appeals for a penalty turned down on 76 minutes when Grant Beckett appeared to handle in the box.

Richard Burgess forced Hervin to save at his near post late in the game.

ROVERS

McGetterick 6, Benbow 5, Banner 5 (sub Palmer 65mins 4), Brookes 5 (sub Beckett 5), Lutz 5 (sub Hyde 77mins 4), Pope 6, Dyson, Collins 5, Burgess 4, Danks 5, FROST 6*. Subs not used: Clifton, Hackett.

Attendance - 172.

Report by STEVE RIDDICK.