Saturday, January 5, 2002

BROMSGROVE Rovers twice took the lead in their Midland Alliance promotion battle at Stratford Town.

But poor defending was to blame for Rovers not bringing home the three vital points as the game ended 2-2.

The visitors opened brightly with Stratford's 'keeper Warren Ayers making good saves from both Les Palmer and Marvin Blake.

Stratford were restricted to long-range efforts and it was no surprise when the Greens took a lead on 28 minutes.

Matt Coppin skilfully took a pass from Blake and his low shot from inside the area was pushed away from Ayers but Palmer was on hand to slide the ball into the net.

Ayers also saved well from a Shaun Derry shot but Bromsgrove were given a warning of things to come when Matt Lowe was forced to save from Scott Darroch and former Worcester City favourite Steve Fergusson at the end of the first half.

Stratford netted an equaliser three minutes into the second period when John Sheward headed home unmarked from six yards.

The home team pressurised to the Bromsgrove goal but the visitors held out and regained the lead against the run of play. On 70 minutes Coppin was fouled by substitute Leon Allen and Grant Beckett curled an excellent 20-yard free kick into the top corner of the net.

After Paul Lloyd had failed to convert at the near post for Bromsgrove, Stratford were level for the second time in the 77th minute when Lowe saved from Darroch but James Wood was available to score from the loose ball.

Bromsgrove: Lowe, Lloyd, Banner, Brookes, Ford, Frost, Coppin, Beckett, Palmer, Blake, Berry. Subs: Lynch, Bowen, Cavinor.