Saturday, October 12, 2002

ON paper Atherstone United looked a tough prospect. In reality, Bromsgrove Rovers were barely troubled on their way to a 3-0 victory and eighth consecutive Dr Martens Western win.

Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side had a point to prove after their woeful showing against Banbury United in the FA Trophy.

And last Saturday's performance at the Victoria Ground certainly went a long to way to confirming the belief that Rovers can mount a serious challenge this season.

James Dyson in particular had his own personal record to put straight after disappointing in midfield against Banbury. This week he controlled the game in the middle of the park and scored in each half, before Banner added the third, and was well worthy of Ford's praise.

"James Dyson was superb," Ford said. "I thought he ran the show for us."

A tight game early on provided Rovers with little space to manoeuvre although, at times, Banner was afforded the luxury of most of the left flank to work his magic.

It needed a goal to spark things into life and that arrived on 21 minutes. A handball spotted in the penalty by the referee resulted in a penalty and not one complaint from an Atherstone player.

Dyson duly despatched the ball firmly to Dale Belford's left.

Rovers escaped six minutes later when a defensive error let in Jason Perceval but his shot came to nothing.

Atherstone created very little by way of attacking moves but a distinct lack of goalmouth action at the other end was keeping the North Warwickshire side in contention.

Paul Danks had a shot pushed around the post and Banner drove an effort across goal as Rovers turned up the heat.

But it was all getting a little too much for Atherstone boss Kenny Willis, who launched a tirade of abuse and finger-waving at referee K Hawkes after disputing where a throw in should have been taken from two minutes from the break.

Willis escaped with a warning although can count himself extremely lucky not to have been dismissed to the stands.

Danks fired over and Banner headed against the post via the goalkeeper in the second half as Rovers looked to kill the game off.

Although Atherstone weren't threatening, Rovers always looked like they needed a second goal.

The visitors' Dale Turner tried several times to hand Rovers chances on a plate with a series of sliced clearances but still the goal was elusive.

Then Les Palmer was introduced to the action for Richard Burgess on 68 minutes and everything seemed fine.

Six minutes later Dyson, again making his presence felt, neatly turned in a Mark Benbow free kick for his second and ten minutes after that it was three when Palmer played in Banner to strike home from 18 yards.

In all, Atherstone amassed a grand total of no shots on goal and appeared to be without the form that had seen them lead the league earlier in the season.

ROVERS

Lowe 6, Benbow 7, Banner 7, Clifton 6, Frost 6, Pope 7, Dyson 8*, Cartwright (sub Lloyd 46 mins 6 ) 6, Burgess 7 (sub Palmer 68 mins), Danks (sub 77 mins Read) 7, Beckett 6. Subs not used: Ford, Thomas.

Attendance: 511.