Saturday, August 18, 2001

BROMSGROVE Rovers recorded their first Midland Alliance victory, but were pressured all the way by visiting Knypersley Victoria before winning 3-2.

The visitors wasted a golden opportunity on 16 minutes. Sam Campagna brought down Dave Hancock in the area but home 'keeper Matt Lowe saved Paul James' penalty kick.

Bromsgrove were awarded a penalty eight minutes later and Jon Ford made no mistake to give the Greens a half time advantage after Paul Moore had been brought down by Steve Elks.

The visitors then scored twice at the start of the second half. First Wayne Atkinson scored from close range at the second attempt and then James made amends for his earlier blunder by making no mistake from the penalty spot after a harsh decision by the referee when two Knypersley players appeared to collide with each other.

Bromsgrove finally woke up and equalised on 67 minutes, the impressive Matt Coppin converting at the far post following a great left wing run from Paul Lloyd.

The winning goal came nine minutes from time when a quick free kick from Ford was collected by Paul Moore who chipped the approaching keeper while the defence complained about a non-existent offside.

Knypersley had Alan Thompson sent off towards the end as visiting tempers frayed and Rovers ran down the clock to secure their first maximum points of the season to leave them in 12th place after the first three games.

Bromsgrove: Lowe, Porter (Wright 70), Lloyd, Brookes, Campagna, Hillman, Ford, McHugh, Moore (Sumnal 90), Banner, Coppin. Sub not used: Moore.

Attendance: 327.