Tuesday 14th January
Southern League Division One West
Bromsgrove Rovers 2 Paulton Rovers 0
by Phil Baker

After huffing and puffing to keep up with a lively Marlow side last Tuesday, Bromsgrove found themselves facing a complete contrast in Paulton Rovers who never seemed to get into their stride and allowed the home plenty of space and opportunities. Indeed, the scoreline could have been greater had the home side taken better advantage of balls into the box and not squandered at last three chances that were easier to put in the net.

There were two new strikers in the Green's line-up with Paul Moore returning to the club on loan from Redditch United and Neil Davis signed from Moor Green.

A perfect start saw Gavin Hurren get his first goal for the club in the second minute when completely unmarked, he headed home a Matt Johnson corner. Although the pitch was quite cut up and heavy, the home side always looked the more enterprising with the two new boys making a good impression and being well supplied from the midfield. Mark Benbow provided a bit more steel in the middle deputising for the injured Wayne Dyer whilst Carl Adams continued his role of chief distributor of quality passes.

The visitors had their best opportunity of the match 10 minutes after the interval when a poor clearance from Hurren went to Dan Cleverly who hit a fierce shot but only straight to Lee Evans in the home goal.

Bromsgrove effectively put the game beyond Paulton's reach on 60 minutes when Neil Davis beat the visitor's offside trap only for his shot to be parried by 'keeper John Rendell, however he latched on to the re-bound and side-footed easily into the net.

Paulton attempted to get back into the match but they struggled to find a way past a much-improved Bromsgrove back four, whilst the Greens appeared to be happy sitting on their lead and waiting for opportunities

Manager Rod Brown ought to be satisfied with a comfortable win against an opposition that never looked like taking any points home. The team performance was much improved compared to the last two matches when goings-on off the pitch were probably having an affect. Bromsgrove did miss a number a scorable chances and against better teams they will not be so fortunate. Playing two quality strikers up front with two in reserve will answer the prayers of many fans and a re-vitalised Mark Benbow will allow a number of options in mid-field. All they need to do is to maintain the momentum and get results against the top teams.

Bromsgrove Rovers:  Lee Evans, Matt Johnson (Matt Barnes-Homer 77 mins), Steve Hillman, Gavin Hurren, Exodus Geohaghan, Carl Adams, Mark Benbow, Anthony Maguire (Joe Williams 65 mins), Paul Moore, Neil Davis (Ben Porter 72 mins), Kevin Banner.
Subs not used: Duncan Willetts, Tim Clarke.

Paulton Rovers:  John Rendell, Nick Bunyard, Jason Drysdale (Steve Bridges 45 mins), Nick Hudson, Mike Kilgare, Lee Collier, Ben Cleverley (Dan Guiburra 19 mins), Ryan Jerwood (Ashley Barnes 77 mins), Dean Evans, Dan Cleverley, Richard Perry.
Subs not used: Andrew Carthy, Steve Tovey.

Attendance: 354

Baker's MoM for Bromsgrove Rovers: Mark Benbow