Tuesday, April 23, 2002

BROMSGROVE Rovers returned to the top of the Midland Alliance last night after a 0-0 draw at Rushall Olympic and with it almost certainly secured a swift return to the Dr Martens League.

Despite nearest rivals Stourbridge still favourites to win the title outright with a game in hand, their Amblecote ground has been deemed unsuitable for promotion, paving the way for Rovers to take their place.

Joint manager Gary Hackett was delighted to secure at least second spot and hailed his side for handling the pressure of the run-in.

"We go into the last game knowing that we have everything to play for and could still be champions though of course Stourbridge are still favourites with a game in hand," he said.

"After being so many points adrift it has been a magnificent run and a lot of credit must go to the players who kept their nerves when other teams around us were losing theirs and they have shown they can handle the pressure.

"There is still a lot to be sorted out but we know we are definitely second and Stourbridge can't go up.

"It is up to us to put our case but I know the potential of the club and they should be in the Dr Martens Western Division."

Rovers laid siege to the Rushall goal for the last 15 minutes but could not complete their seventh straight away win. But with rivals Stourbridge and Stratford both losing they still returned to the top on goal difference.

Rushall should have taken the lead on 17 minutes when the unmarked Obi Okwuadigbo fired over.

Les Palmer was twice deprived by Rushall's Richard Brown when chasing long balls as Rovers struggled to take control on the hard pitch.

The visitors' best chance of the first half came when Steve Frost headed just wide from Kevin Banner's cross.

The second half was a better performance from the Greens and 'keeper Ryan Price was forced to make an early low save from Palmer.

Substitute Sam Bowen almost made a quick impression when he beat the offside trap but scuffed his shot to Price, and Rovers' top scorer also saw two late free-kicks pushed away by the home 'keeper.

Rovers are at home to Ludlow on Saturday, while Stourbridge travel to Cradley tomorrow and Stafford on Saturday.