Rovers' dismal run continues

 Match report from Andy Harris

Rovers poor form continued as they slipped to another disappointing defeat. Despite the score line and the excitement of the last few minutes this was a drab game in keeping with the wintry conditions as the hosts relied almost entirely on the high ball forward to new signing, Julian Alsop while Rovers failed to string any decent passing moves together apart from a spell mid way through the second half when they overcame a two goal deficit.

The home side went ahead on 13 minutes as Chris Lane delayed his clearance too long and a ball back into the box through the right channel saw the sprightly, Lee Davis, pull his volley across keeper, Kyle Phillips, and in at the far post.

The game became extremely scrappy and although Rovers enjoyed more possession and pressed for an equaliser they exerted little threat on the home goal although Ricky Hulbert had a weak shot easily saved and after Ollie Price had won a header from a free kick, Rob Cousins’ volley found the side netting.

Things got even worse for Rovers two minutes after the interval as a cross from the right saw Phillips catch the ball, collide with Stuart Tovey and drop the ball into the path of Michael Davis who happily accepted the unexpected gift by firing home from 10 yards.

This finally spurred the visitors into action and Jon Beswetherick and Lane began to cause problems down the left. On 52 mins Lane’s cross, after a good run, was just behind Rob Claridge and bending backwards his header from 6 yards out cleared the bar. The home supporter’s relief was short lived as Rovers reduced the arrears 5 mins later as Beswetherick set Lane clear again and this time his cross saw Claridge’s header drop to Hulbert who converted the easiest of chances.

Lane turned provider again on 66 minutes as Rovers restored parity. This time his left wing cross was headed home by Ollie Price who found himself in an advanced position. Rovers had a claim for a penalty when Dan Cleverley went down in the area under a challenge from Richard Mansell but the referee correctly waived play on.

The home side restored the lead on 78 mins when after a period of pressure the Rovers’ defence once again failed to deal with a ball into the area from a right wing corner and Lee Davis had time and space at the back post to pick his spot and fire home. The same player could have sealed the game 3 mins later when he raced onto a through ball but his shot was easily saved by Phillips.

Rovers thought they had earned a point as with 2 mins remaining Hulbert released Lane again and this time the home keeper, Sam Gilder, spilled the ball allowing Claridge the simplest of tap ins.

However the visitor’s fragile defence succumbed again in the final minute of normal time as a cross from the left dropped to substitute, James Vercesi who slammed the ball home from just inside the area to claim the points.

Manager, Andy Jones, has just 48 hours to turn things around and end the poor run that has surprisingly afflicted them since the excellent performance at AFC Totton when they take on Cirencester Town at Winterfield Road on Monday (KO 7.30 pm).


Team: Phillips, Tovey, Beswetherick, Lane, Price, Cousins, B Cleverley (C), Pendry (Boys 81 mins), Claridge, D Cleverley, Hulbert
Subs not used: Stewart, Hughes, French

Referee: P Grove
Assts:  A Daniel / S Garrett

Attendance: 64

Star Man: Lee Davis (Bishops Cleeve)