Saturday, March 3, 2001

BROMSGROVE Rovers stay deep in trouble in the Dr Martens League Western Division after a 3-1 defeat at Cirencester Town.

On a very heavy pitch, which was only declared fit an hour before kick-off, both sides found it difficult to keep their feet in the opening stages.

Although Cirencester started the stronger, it was Bromsgrove who opened the scoring on eight minutes when Dean Wright got behind the Cirencester back four and his run finished with a cool lob over the advancing Kevin Sawyer from 30 yards.

From the restart Cirencester pushed forward and Jimmy Carter shot just wide following a good move.

Carter again went close after Justin Miller created the opening and another powerful shot from Carter was blocked by Steve Frost. In their next build-up Steve Bennett's drive was well saved by 'keeper Eliott Morris.

The visitors' attacks were limited but midway through the half they did test the home defence twice when Lee Hughes' shot was only just wide and shortly after Sawyer saved bravely at the feet of Wright.

Cirencester finally equalised early in the second-half when Bennett's cross was only half-cleared, and Miller jinked his way past three defenders before scoring from a narrow angle.

Five minutes later Cirencester got their noses in front when Miller's through ball sent Carter away. He was hauled down in the box and Giles Harris slotted home the resulting penalty.

Bromsgrove started to get back into the game and a good ball from Luke Yates found Hughes in space and it took a vital tackle from Steve Coleman to clear the danger.

Carter and Scott Griffin were denied by fine saves from Morris before, 10 minutes from the end, Bromsgrove were reduced to ten men when Yates received his second yellow card.

Cirencester put the game beyond doubt when Griffin was brought down by Quentin Townsend, and Harris placed the spot kick wide of the outstretched Morris.

Bromsgrove: Morris 7, Baylis 7, Hughes 7, Townsend 7, Frost 8, Ulfig 7, Nicholls 7, Burgess 7, D Wright 7 (Banner 60, 7), Yates 7, Beckett 7. Subs not used: Jefferson, M Wright.

Star man: Steve Frost.

Attendance: 128.