Saturday 18th February 2006
Southern League Division One West
Cinderford Town 1  Bromsgrove Rovers 3
By Phil Baker

Cinderford is probably the least popular away destination for Rovers fans bringing back memories of the FA Cup tie there 10 years ago when Rovers threw everything at them and still lost 2-1 in the wettest conditions a match has ever been played in. Recent years have seen mixed results so a close game could be expected.

Steve Hillman picked up an injury at Banbury and dropped to the bench and with Wayne Dyer fit again there were no difficult decisions as to who played in mid-field. Luke Reynolds was unavailable so Paul Moore partnered Neil Davis up front and after a useful outing on Tuesday Lee Evans kept his place in goal allowing Tim Clarke to continue his role as motivator-in-chief from the technical area.

Unfortunately, one thing managers cannot prepare for at The Causeway is the pitch. If it has just rained, you need water skis and if it is cold then the mud turns to goo making stilts a better option. We had a stilts day today so a slow game was in prospect and any whipper-snapper wanting to show his pace was going to be thwarted.

Having assembled a team suited to play in these conditions and appearing to weigh at least a stone per man heavier the Rovers, Cinderford adapted quicker and duly went into the lead on the 8 th minute. Mid-fielder Keith Knight picked up the ball just inside the visitor's half and headed towards the goal, The defence appeared to have their studs stuck in the mud and offered no opposition, Knight found himself past the back line and with only Lee Evans to beat hit a well-placed shot into the far side of the net.

Rovers got one back just four minutes later when a neat pass from John Snape to Neil Davis allowed him to drop a cross over the face of the goal to Paul Moore who blasted home from short range.

Cinderford had the chance to take the lead again on the 19 th minute when Jamie Hammond found himself with just Evens to beat but the 'keeper made an excellent save with his feet to keep the scores level.

Paul Moore was denied by the post and later sent a shot just over the bar, as did Matt Johnson with a free-kick just before half-time.

After the break Rovers went for a strong push to take the lad but were stopped early on by the commanding presence of Will Steadman and Chris Burns in the centre of defence, who although looking like a couple of rugby league forwards were actually quite skilful defenders. After the first few minutes, the home side dominated most the second half. Knight on 55 minutes and Kear on 60 were the best chances and Rovers were grateful for the bar when Steadman fired a powerful header 15 minutes later.

However as the half went on Cinderford looked to be tiring and Rovers eased themselves back into the game assisted by Jimmy Smith coming on for Matt Johnson to create a triple striker force. It paid off just four minutes from normal stoppage time when Joe Williams slotted home his first goal for the club after the impressive John Snape had knocked on a Kevin Banner corner.

Cinderford had to go for the equaliser but just exposed themselves at the back and Paul Moore got his second two minutes into added time when he sent back a poor clearance past Simon Benbow.

Manager Rod Brown said after the match that he was pleased with the result but admitted that had Cinderford took their chances when they were on top in the second half it could easily have gone the other way. Next stop Clevedon and to quote a cliché, a massive game!

Cinderford (4-4-2): Simon Benbow, Adam Mayo, Luke Buttery, Neil Griffiths, Will Steadman, Chris Burns, Mike Green, Keith Knight (Greg Lewis 88 mins), Richard Kear, Andy Hoskins (Matt Williams 71 mins), Jamie Hammonds.
Subs not used: Matt Aubrey.

Rovers (3-5-2): Lee Evans, Matt Johnson (Jimmy Smith 81 mins), Joe Williams, Exodus Geohaghan, Chris McHale, John Snape, Mark Benbow, Wayne Dyer, Paul Moore, Neil Davis, Kevin Banner.
Subs not used: Steve Hillman, Luke Reynolds, Tim Clarke.

Referee: Mr W Barrett (Halesowen)
Attendance: 146