Saturday, February 15, 2003

AN out of sorts Bromsgrove Rovers made it just one point from 12 as they lost 2-0 at Gresley Rovers last Saturday and with it marked 345 minutes of football without a goal.

The Greens made three changes from the side beaten at Merthyr, bringing in Mark Clifton for his first start since September and Marvin Blake for Morgan Brookes, Darren Bullock while Richard Burgess moved to the bench.

Early on, Kevin Banner's free-kick on six minutes found its way through the defensive wall but not past James Lindley in goal.

Gresley though wrapped up the points with a two-goal salvo in a five-minute spell towards the end of the first half.

The first arrived on 34 minutes after Jamie Barratt broke free down the right. His cross was picked up by Steve Rutter, who's shot was blocked by Steve Pope but the ball fell to Nathan Tate to fire in a 20-yard shot that deceived Matt Lowe.

Five minutes later Gresley doubled their lead. Tate fired the ball low across the box, Lowe dived at the feet of Chris Gray and collided, allowing the ball to spill to Rutter who stroked the ball home from close range.

Ross Collins was booked for complaining about the challenge that left Lowe needing treatment.

Lowe, still recovering from his earlier knock, made a fine reaction save at the foot of his post from a Rutter snap shot before the break.

Gresley should have scored seven minutes into the second half when Rutter, unmarked in the box, inexplicably headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

Bromsgrove were struggling to find their men with too many passes going astray and their problems were compounded when Clifton limped off on 65 minutes.

Rutter wasted another golden chance on 70 minutes as he blasted over from a good position.

Blake was fouled on the edge of the area on four minutes later and Banner's free-kick skimmed Lindley's crossbar.

The Moatmen, playing in front of their biggest crowd of the season, should have put the game beyond doubt two minutes from time when substitute Andy Bourne slipped the ball to Barratt but his control let him down.

ROVERS

Lowe 5, Cartwright 4 (sub Southwick 75 mins), Banner 4, Ford 4 (sub Burgess 46 mins 5), Clifton 5 (sub Benbow 65 mins) 4), Pope 6, Collins 5, Lutz 4, BLAKE 6*, Danks 6, Frost 4. Subs not used: Beckett, Thomas.

Attendance - 464.

Report by STEVE RIDDICK.