DMW May 1, 2000

FORTY-eight hours after their breathtaking victory over league leaders Stafford, Rovers slumped to a disappointing defeat at Woodspring Park on Monday.

An unchanged visiting line-up made a bright start to this fixture, which had been postponed twice.

Skipper Mark Bowater went close from John Humphreys's eighth minute corner and Peter Sutton fired just over with a shot on the turn after 15 minutes.

The Greens fell behind when their defence stood and watched as Alan Bird converted an 18th minute corner.

Eight minutes later, Mark Benbow levelled the scores with a neat chip, latching on to a poor clearance, but on 35 minutes, visiting 'keeper Mark Jones was at fault when he allowed Rob Claridge's speculative 20-yard shot along the ground slip under his body.

And three minutes before the break, Bowater and Kevin Jinks failed to defend a cross from the right and Mark Price headed past a static Jones from six yards.

Defender Quentin Townsend had a goal ruled out for offside before Weston struck again in the 58th minute, Shaun Wharton heading past Jones from six yards.

Former Chelsea man Peter Rhoades-Brown, an inspiration throughout, added the fifth on 75 minutes with a 15-yard shot and, eight minutes from time, Andy Biddle reduced the arrears with a 20-yard free kick.

Rovers: Jones, Townsend, Jinks, Turpin, Bowater, Davies, Humphreys (sub Pincher 76), Benbow, Sutton, Daley (sub Broadhurst 76), Biddle. Sub (unused): GK Gabbidon.

Attendance: 143. Rovers man of the match: Mark Benbow.