Bromsgrove Rovers (0) 0

Barwell (1) 3

Midland Football Alliance

ROVERS slumped to their first home defeat for three months as mid-table Barwell took advantage of the home team's inability to turn possession into goals.

Parading their new green and white-striped kit, Bromsgrove suffered a set-back before kick-off when top scorer Sam Bowen was injured in the pre-match warm up.

The visitors took the game to Rovers and, although never forcing Matt Lowe to make a save, spent the first ten minutes camped in Bromsgrove's half.

After surviving this early pressure, Rovers were awarded a free kick on ten minutes after Shaun Derry had been fouled by Adam Davies.

Dipping

Derry took a dipping free kick which Paul Greers acrobatically tipped over the crossbar.

This was the first of several fine saves from the Barwell keeper as Bromsgrove controlled the game.

However, the Bromsgrove players were trying to walk the ball into the net, playing as individuals rather than as a team.

Paul Lloyd made a fine run from midfield on 36 minutes, but was fouled on the edge of the area by Barwell captain Darren Grassby.

Lloyd sprung to his feet and was about to strike the loose ball when -- much to the disgust of supporters and players alike -- referee Whitehouse ignored the clear advantage and brought play back for a free kick.

Barwell took the lead against the run of play in first half injury time when Steve Markham was allowed time on the right to play a low cross for the unmarked Davies to slot the ball home on the half-volley.

Saved

Matt Coppin saw a low shot saved by Greers and Liam O'Neill somehow missed the ball with the goal at his mercy before Barwell extended their lead on 65 minutes.

Jason Percival was quickest to react to Greers' long goal kick and easily outpaced Jon Ford and Steve Pope before steering the ball past Lowe's outstretched left hand.

Barwell completed the scoring and a sorry afternoon for Steve Daniels' men when substitute Dave Lucas fired into the top corner in injury time.

Rovers: Lowe, Lloyd, Banner, Lynch (sub Porter 70 mins), Ford, Pope, Derry, Kavanagh, O'Neill, Moore, Coppin. Attendance: 334.

Rovers man of the match: Paul Lloyd.

Report by CHRIS FOX/Pictures by MIKE FENWICK.