British Gas Business Division One Midlands
Tuesday 26th December 2006 - 3:00 p.m. kick-off
Brackley Town 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 1
By Phil Baker

To re-phrase a children's rhyme: when they are bad they are very bad but when they are good, they are very good. Fortunately, we were today treated to the latter scenario by the Bromsgrove team much to the surprise of many, no doubt including the players themselves, when Rovers came away from St James' Park with a point and can consider themselves unfortunate not to have had all three.

After the uninspired performance against Chasetown changes had to be made and these came in the form of two wing-backs Kevin Banner on left, James Smith on right, Mark Taylor playing in front of Liam McDonald and Stuart Skidmore in mid-field whilst John Snape replaced Scott Stamps in defence. With Gary Hay suspended, Nathan Lamey and Neil Davis had the responsibility of leading the attack.

The game got off to a brisk start with Robbie Beard and Elliott Sandy looking lively for the home side but it was Rovers' who looked to be more effective. Liam McDonald had an early shot saved, Nathan Lamey's overhead kick was cleared over the bar and Davis shot went just past the right hand post. Lamey hit a good cross-field pass to Banner who returned a useful cross.

Rovers though managed to convert their slender superiority into a goal on 33 minutes when Nathan Lamey scrambled the ball home for his 18th of the season after a Mark Taylor corner.

Brackley attempted to up the tempo with quick breaks and despite looking threatening Rovers' well-organised defence managed to soak up the pressure.

Danny Spencer replaced Robbie Beard at half-time giving the home side a little more strength up front at the expense of a bit of pace and along with Matt Murphy and Tom Winters they all had efforts go close or saved by James Coates.

As with many goals conceded by Rovers this season, Brackley's came along with some controversy when former Green, Scott Hadland went down just in front of the box. Referee Mr Farries awarded a free-kick much to the derision of away fans who quickly organised themselves into formation diving impressions. Tom Winters took the kick which evaded the none too effective wall and under James Coates who dived too late though to be fair it was a well-taken kick and the 'keeper was probably unsighted. From then on both teams looked for the winner but with both defences and 'keepers in good form neither side could get beyond the last third of the pitch to even give themselves a chance.

Across the 90 minutes, a draw was a fair result but importantly this was a vastly improved performance for Rovers who would have impressed the division leaders and despite their points advantage and games in hand, they will now be keeping a keen eye on the club just below them.

Brackley: Richard Knight, Craig Farley (Leigh Mason 65 mins), Phil Murphy,
James Saulsbury, Guy Hadland, Andy Williams, Elliot Sandy, Scott Hadland, Robbie Beard (Danny Spencer h/t), Matt Murphy, Tom Winters.
Subs not used: Martin Brown, Terry Muckelberg.

Rovers: James Coates, James Smith, John Snape, Chris McHale, Carl Heeley,
Liam McDonald, Stuart Skidmore (Paul Lloyd 77 mins), Mark Taylor (Danny Scheppel 65 mins), Neil Davis (Daire Doyle 82 mins), Nathan Lamey, Kevin Banner.
Subs not used: Scott Stamps, Matt Hall.

Scorers: Brackley - Winters 73 mins; Rovers - Lamey 30 mins.
Yellows: Brackley - Beard, G Hadland, P Murphy; Rovers - Heeley

Attendance: 388
Referee: Mr J Farries (Adderbury)

Baker's MoM for Rovers: Kevin Banner