Monday, August 28, 2000

BROMSGROVE Rovers continued their exciting yet frustrating start to the new campaign as they were held to a 3-3 draw against Blakenall yesterday in the Dr Martens League Western Division.

Last year's leading scorers Mark Benbow and Peter Sutton both got on the scoresheet, but again the defence let them down.

The scoring began in the opening minute when Ian Cooksey brought down Blakenall's Jon Muir when through on goal and ex-Kidderminster Harriers striker Les Palmer sent Nore Gabbidon the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Rovers then had the better of the exchanges and after Sutton had seen his 11th-minute effort ruled out for offside, he set up Benbow to head past Matt Lowe in the visitors' goal.

Sutton opened his account for the season early in the second half after Benbow had turned provider allowing him to beat Lowe from close range.

On the hour Lowe launched a free kick given for offside and Palmer held off the Rovers defence to lob Gabbidon who got a touch but couldn't prevent the ball going in.

The second penalty of the afternoon ought to have given Rovers victory. Sutton was fouled and although Lowe got a hand to Benbow's spot kick it found its way into the net.

But then a defensive lapse saw Muir in space and he coolly lobbed Gabbidon from the edge of the box.

Rovers: Gabbidon 6, Frost 6, Ulfig 6, Townsend 6, Joinson 7, I Cooksey 5, Benbow 8, Burrow 6, Sutton 7, Burgess 7, Beard 7. Subs (not used): N Cooksey, Willis, Biddle.

H Star man: Mark Benbow.

Rovers crashed 4-0 at Bedworth United on Saturday, whose goals came from Ian Drewitt, Stuart Holt (2) and Craig Whitmore.

Rovers had to play the last half-hour with 10 men because of injuries.

Rovers: Gabbidon 6, Frost 5, Ulfig 6, Townsend 5, Joinson 5 (Burgess 46, 5), Millard 5, Benbow 6, Burrow 5, Sutton 7, Turpin 5 (Biddle 29, 5), Wills 5 (Beard 46, 5).

H Star man: Peter Sutton.

Attendance: 289.