Saturday, November 4, 2000

HANDBAGS at ten paces, fireworks and a disallowed 'winner' from striker Richard Burgess - it was all included in Bromsgrove Rovers' goalless draw at Droylsden in round one of the FA Umbro Trophy on Saturday.

And in truth, it was no more than the Greens deserved after their second half performance, rubbishing the form book which suggested victory for the Unibond League Premier Division outfit.

Coming off the back of their 7-6 aggregate Wor-cester Royal Infirmary Cup Final triumph over Stourport Swifts, there was a renewed spirit and belief within the Bromsgrove ranks.

True, they were pinned in their own half for much of the first period as Droylsden poured forward with their superior pass and move football creating problems for Rovers' back-line. A quagmire of a pitch told its own story, with the Manchester side turning Rovers' patch into a bog.

But Bromsgrove could have taken the lead on nine minutes when Burgess hit a cracking drive from 20 yards which shaved the crossbar.

It wasn't until the second half when the balance of play swung in Rovers' favour, with Craig Pount-ney ferreting down the left wing like a man on a mission. He spurned a number of chances created on his own initiative, and should have made Droylsden pay.

But he was almost made to suffer himself along with team-mate Joe Beard in an explosive second half which put nearby bonfire night celebrations to shame.

The pair were both involved in scuffles with their opposite numbers as the home side got frustrated with their obvious lack of penetration.

Slammed

Burgess finally showed them how to finish on 63 minutes when he slammed home a Pountney through-ball from close range, but was adjudged offside.

And although Nore Gabbidon tipped over Morley's goal-bound screamer minutes from time, Bromsgrove should consider themselves unlucky not to have snatched victory.

They get another a second chance in the replay tomorrow night.

Rovers: Gabbidon 8, J Beard 7 (J Rogers 73), Ulfig 7, S Frost 7, Townsend 8, Turpin 7, Burrow 7, Benbow 7, Burgess 8, Pountney 9, Biddle 8. Subs not used: G Rogers, Cameron, Humphrey.

Star man: Craig Pountney.

Attendance: 199.