British Gas Business League Division One Midland
Saturday 13th January 2007 - 3:00 p.m. kick-off
Willenhall Town 2  Bromsgrove Rovers 1
By Phil Baker

After a useful performance at Brackley and a good win against Bedworth, normal service was resumed here at Noose Lane as Rovers slumped to a disappointing defeat against a lively but not unbeatable Willenhall side.

After both teams had suffered abandoned matches and postponements, the visitors look as if the enforced lay-off and blustery conditions had affected them less as they dominated the first 45minutes and went in at half-time one up; it probably should have been more.

Gary Hay gave Rovers the lead on 12 minutes when Nathan Lamey picked the ball up just over the half-way line, ran goalwards beating a couple of defenders and unleashed a powerful shot that former Rovers' 'keeper Matt Coleman could only parry into the path of Hay, who made no mistake from close range.

After the interval, Willenhall looked like a changed side, more determined, aggressive and playing tactics so loathed by generations of Rovers' teams; close marking.

They got the equaliser six minutes into the second half when Bruce Wheeler fired a good shot across the goal that was weakly cleared, this was picked up by striker Kyle Perry who thumped home the loose ball.

The wind was clearly having an effect on the match but the pitch so often unable to absorb much water and often rendered unplayable held up well. Both teams used a variety of tactics to try and get their noses in front but both were thwarted by well-organised and obstinate defences. Several Rovers' players often found themselves in good positions but lacked support and someone to pass to whereas Willenhall defended and attacked in numbers as they attempted to barge-pole themselves through the Greens' defence.

Their tactics paid off with two minutes to go when Luke Findley hit a fine cross from the left, this was punched out by James Coates but only to the feet of Bruce Wheeler who made hit home from 10 yards.

Several players had reasonable chances in particular Stuart Skidmore who missed two in the first half. Rapinder Gill looked to have settled in defence against his old club and make more than one useful tackle.

Willenhall: Dean Coleman, Sean Platt, Craig Milligan, Bruce Wheeler, Todd Perry,
Danny Hughes, Jimmy-Lee Jones (Michael Allen 82 mins), Mark Briggs (capt), Kyle Perry, Matt Barnes-Homer, Luke Findley.
Subs: Jayson O'Kelly, Darren White, Christos Makris, Kevin Hadlington

Rovers: James Coates, Matt Hall (Paul Lloyd 71 mins), Chris McHale, Rapinder Gill,
Carl Heeley, Liam McDonald (Danny Scheppell 82 mins), Stuart Skidmore, Mark Taylor (capt, John Snape 67 mins), Nathan Lamey, Gary Hay Kevin Banner.
Subs not used: Daire Doyle, Scott Stamps

Scorers: Rovers: Hay 12 mins;  Reds: Kyle Perry 51 mins, Bruce Wheeler 88 mins

Attendance: 202
Referee: Mr T Simmonds

Baker's MoM for Rovers: Rapinder Gill