British Gas Business League Division One Midland
Saturday 23rd December 2006 - 3:00 p.m. kick-off
Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Chasetown 2
By Phil Baker

This was a deserved win for a hard-working and committed Chasetown side against a lacklustre and uninspired Rovers team.

The first twenty minutes were pretty even with both sides getting the ball upfield but also being somewhat cautious in committing to many players forward. The game changed on 22 minutes as often happens with a somewhat controversial incident. Nathan Lamey appeared to be fouled by Ian Wright a few yards in front of the visitors' box. Whilst Rovers were protesting or dreaming the said defender banged a superb ball up field over the Rovers' defence into the path of ace striker Lee Bullimore who made no mistake in slotting past keeper James Coates.

Chasetown could have increased their lead twice in the next three minutes with Bullimore again and Karl Edwards both missing good chances.

With Rovers looking for some initiative and inspiration, Rod Brown took off Liam McDoanld and Stuart Skidmore, replacing them with Matty Hall and a welcome return for Kevin Banner. Incidentally sporting a blond streak down one side of his barnet, possibly the worst hairstyle in a Rovers' team since Recky Carter graced the pitch at the Victoria Ground.

At least Rovers now had some width and hopefully a couple of players who could bolster the often under-strength and flat-footed three-man defence when necessary.

Edwards at one end and Lamey at the other both missed chances early on in the second half when they headed wide but Chasetown effectively put the points beyond the home side's grasp when Bullimore got his second on 50 minutes when Rovers failed to clear after a corner and he knocked home from close range.

Rovers to their credit kept pushing forward but too many passes went astray and failed to meet their target and too much one -route football was easily mopped up by the well-organised and hefty Chasetown defence.

Daire Doyle replaced Mark Taylor, the one midfield player who appeared to have any creative ability but that made precious difference to the game.

Kevin Banner should have done better with late header but the visitors were content to sit on a two goal lead and wait for the final whistle for a justified celebration.

Admittedly Rovers still have players out through injury or not 100% fit but on paper this was a team that should have been able to see off most opposition in the league. That they did not suggests a lack of confidence and inspiration. There were also were too many ineffective passes and long balls. Chasetown were not the first opponents to look as if they had more players on the pitch. Rovers suggesting more effective tactics than necessarily work rate and more support for the player with the ball especially in the last third of the field.

What better time than next Tuesday to make a few improvements against Brackley?

Rovers: James Coates, Chris McHale, Scott Stamps, Carl Heeley, John Snape,
Stuart Skidmore (Matt Hall 33 mins), Danny Scheppell, Mark Taylor (Daire Doyle 72 mins), Neil Davis, Nathan Lamey, Liam McDonald (Kevin Banner 32 mins).
Subs not used: James Smith, Paul Lloyd

Chasetown: Lee Evans, John Branch, Neil Aulton, Kevin Tomlinson, Ian Wright,
Joe Williams, Ben Steane, Lee Parsons, Lee Bullimore (capt), Karl Edwards,
Duncan Horler.
Subs not used: Paul McMahon, Craig Holland, Mark Branch, Ashley Robinson,
Vaughan Thomas.

Scorers:            Chasetown - Bullimore 22 mins, 50 mins.
Yellows:            Rovers - Snape; Chasetown - Edwards, Bullimore, Horler

Attendance: 467
Referee:             Mr M E Murphy (Coventry)

Baker's MoM for Rovers: Mark Taylor