Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Morecambe 2

FA Cup fourth qualifying round

BROMSGROVE Rovers' dream of making the FA Cup first round was dashed by efficient Morecambe at the Victoria Ground on Saturday, but the home side acquitted themselves admirably against the Conference high fliers. ON TARGET: Matthew Johnson lets fly with a vicious volley, which tested Morecambe goalkeeper Ryan Robinson.

Two moments of defensive madness by Rovers in each half gifted the visitors' victory in a well- contested game.

However, the Southern League Division One West side more than matched their opponents from three levels above for long periods of the game in front of a 919 strong crowd.

Rovers manager Jimmy Mullen recalled striker Mark Danks, midfielder Scott Hadland and defender Phil Male back for a full strength side.

Morecambe boss Jim Harvey left England National Game squad striker Gary Hunter on the bench and opted for Sean O'Connor up front.

With a bumper crowd, a run of one defeat in ten matches and a tantalising chance to meet a league side in the FA Cup's first round proper, Rovers came out all guns blazing in search of an early goal.

Morecambe's travelling army of 300 fans had made all the noise early on, but they were silenced by Bromsgrove's brilliant start.

Danks forced Morecambe goalkeeper Ryan Robinson into a fine reaction save in the fourth minute. From Kevin Banner's corner the on-loan hitman struck it well, but Robinson somehow parried the fierce strike away.

Three minutes later the visitors went ahead. Rovers left O'Connor free in the box to steer a header past 'keeper Tim Clarke at the right post from Kieran Walmsley's free kick.

Rovers though quickly re-asserted themselves as the dominant side and in the 15th minute Banner's excellent left wing cross was met by Danks' head, but Morecambe captain Jim Bentley threw his body in the way.

Right back Matt Johnson had a rasping 25-yard shot fly inches over Robinson's goal in the 19th minute.

Exodus Geohaghan was marshalling Rovers with gusto and he made a fine interception on O'Connor as he dribbled into the box on the half-hour mark.

Morecambe came back into the game as the first half wore on and Clarke had to be alert to rush out and collect Michael Twiss's lofted pass in the 33rd minute.

Rovers though came close to scoring in the 36th minute. Matthew Barnes-Homer's intellint header set Wayne Dyer striding towards goal, but a desperate sliding tackle by Darren Kempson stopped the midfielder.

Johnson, who was excellent in attack and defence all game, then tested Robinson just before half time. Morecambe cleared a Rovers corner as far as Johnson and his powerful 25-yard yard effort was tipped over athletically by 'keeper.

The defender almost scored at the start of the second half, when his free kick from just inside the half was tipped over by Morecambe's busy goalkeeper.

In the 50th minute striker Wayne Curtis' powerful shot smashed off Clarke's left post and was cleared to safety as Rovers enjoyed a slice of luck. Five minutes later Scott Hadland headed wide from Banner's cross.

A lightening break by Morecambe made it 2-0 in the 60th minute. From a Rovers' throw in substitute Hunter was set free. Despite Johnson and Steve Hillman trying to close him down, the striker's slide rule pass set Walmsley free down the right wing to round Clarke and calmly score.

Six minutes later Clarke got down well to save Walmsley's low free kick. Rovers battled on and Hadland shot tamely at Robinson with ten minutes left.

While Rovers' hard working players were left dejected after a brilliant effort at the full time whistle, Morecambe fans must have went away thinking how lucky they were to progress in the FA Cup.

Rovers: Clarke 6, JOHNSON 8 (Williams 83mins 6), Hillman 7, Male 7, Geohaghan 7, Hadland 7, Maguire 7 (Benbow, 70mins, 6), Dyer 7, Danks 6 (Porter, 70mins, 6), Barnes-Homer 7, Banner, 7.

Morecambe: Robinson 7, Perkins 6, Howard 6, Bentley 7, Kelly 6, Twiss 6 (Stringfellow, 74mins, 6), Curtis 7, O'Connor (Hunter, 45mins, 7), Kempson 7, Blackburn 6, WALMSLEY 8 (Lloyd, 81mins, 6).

Referee: Ms AE Rayner.

Attendance: 919.

By Peter McKinney