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

Rovers struggled to stamp their authority on this match and left it late to get ahead on the score sheet against a side who looked useful but were clearly happy to play for a draw. Like a lot of opponents that come to the Victoria Ground, they tend to play a packed defence and hope to score on the break. It does not make for entertaining football and this match was no exception.

Kevin Banner was Rovers most effective player in the first half getting a number of balls across from the left and having a couple of reasonable shots himself. Spalding had the odd break but apart from one effort from Stuart King on 21 minutes that went over the bar, Chris Taylor had little to worry about.

After the break, Neil Davis looked to be more determined and he needed to be if Rovers were to prise open the Tulips' obstinate defence. It was just 10 minutes from the end when the breakthrough finally came with a well-worked move that found Kevin Banner 20 yards out who hit a fine shot giving Spalding 'keeper, Simon Daniels no chance.

Having got one, Rovers now knew Spalding had to come out and tried to double their lead. Nathan Lamey hit over with two minutes to go and just a few seconds late Richard Burgess forced a good save from Daniels. With a minute added time showing, Lamey got Rovers' second when he rounded the goalkeeper and hit a good shot between two defenders on the line. Burgess should have made it three a couple of minutes later but Spalding blushes were spared by the woodwork.

A useful three points for Rovers even if they were not at their best.

Rovers: Chris Taylor, James Smith, Chris McHale, Paul Carty (Joe Williams 80 mins),
Carl Heeley, Daire Doyle (Richard Burgess 64 mins), Liam McDonald (Mark Taylor 75 mins), Wayne Dyer, Neil Davis, Nathan Lamey, Kevin Banner.
Subs not used: Stuart Skidmore, John Snape

Spalding United: Simon Daniels, Sam Wadieh, Dan Holyoak, Gary Pawson, Mark Horn, Dan George (Adam Buckley 75 mins), Luke Forbes, Ben Garrick (Davy Shepherd 80 mins), Stuart King, Neil Thorpe, Danny Hargreaves (Tim Anderson 70 mins).
Subs not used: Chris Scoulding

Scorers: Rovers: Banner (80 mins), Lamey (90+1)
Yellows: Tulips - Hargreaves

Attendance: 346
Referee: Mr P Brown (Lichfield)

Baker's MoM for Rovers: Kevin Banner