DMW December 27

DEFENSIVE lapses gifted Redditch maximum points in the Boxing Day derby.

Matt Bytheway's failure to boot a long ball to safety allowed dangerous striker Michael Moore to nip in for number one on the half hour mark and a rare slip by skipper Mark Bowater served up a simple strike for Adam Nicholls.

Nore Gabbidon was left helpless by both efforts, a cruel blow after early saves from Moore, Mark Smith and Ross Knight.

In stark contrast, Rovers looked sluggish up front with Mark Benbow sending their best chance wide of the far post.

The introduction of three speedy subs, ex-Redditch man Peter Sutton, winger Graham Brown and teenage starlet Patrick Bannister, sparked new life into the Greens.

Chances were still few and far between, however. Steve Ulfig's snap 30 yard shot was too hot for visiting goalkeeper Dave Adey to handle, but the spilled ball wasn't tucked away.

Ten minutes from time, Rovers gained a lifeline at the Victoria Ground. This time, it was the Reds defence which was caught napping following Kevin Ashley's ball over the top and an unmarked Bowater slotted home his sixth goal of the season.

A comeback was on the cards but Rob Smith's men wrapped the game up on 85 minutes through Paul Danks' header.

Rovers: Gabbidon, Bytheway (sub Bannister 62), Ulfig, Ashley, Bowater, Townsend, Benbow, Davies, Parkes (sub Sutton 57), Daley (sub Brown 70), Rochester.

BIAttendance: 678. Rovers man of the match: Nore Gabbidon.