MATCH REPORT FROM ANDY HARRIS- PHOTOS FROM DAVE ALDRIDGE

Rovers secured their second home league win of the week but were made to fight every inch of the way by a determined Bracknell Town who twice came from behind to equalise.

Claridge header opens the scoring

It took the home side just 5 mins to open the scoring as Ricky Hulbert was fouled wide on the left. Ben Cleverley’s free kick was met at the near post by Robbie Claridge and his flicked header across goal went in at the far post.

The lead lasted barely 5 mins as the impressive Nathan Jack latched onto a header into the box from a left wing cross and slotted the ball home. Jack was unfortunate not to add a second 2 mins later as Jason Hughes failed to clear but this time Rovers’ keeper, Steve Perrin, got down to push the ball away and defender Ollie Price tidied up. It was to be Price’s last action of the game as minutes later he left the field with a knee injury which led to the introduction of Dave Burborough to begin his second spell with the club.

Rovers came close to restoring their lead on several occasions, the closest coming on 43 mins when Chris Lane got on the end of a Jon Beswetherick cross but Town keeper, Max Aneke, did well to tip the ball over the bar.

Burborough (14) celebrates

Rovers made the perfect start to the second half going ahead 3 mins after the restart. Ben Cleverley’s left wing cross proved too long but for some reason Aneke decided to give chase but Hulbert beat him to the ball, crossed and Burborough headed home.

Both sides created a number of half chances but the next goal came the way of the visitors on 69 mins as the Rovers’ defence failed to deal with a free kick and after the ball had bounced around in the box full back, Bradley Edmunds, stabbed the ball home to restore parity.

Lane went on a great run down the left and fired a shot just wide for the home side and Town skipper, Keith Newby saw his curling free kick hit the side netting. It seemed inevitable someone would find a winner and it fell to Rovers 9 minutes from time. Ben Cleverley’s free kick was  touched on by Claridge into the path of Burborough who confidently tucked away the chance to give his new club all three points. Hulbert had a chance to ease the home supporters’ nerves in the final minute but after a great run he shot straight at Aneke.

The visitors will probably feel aggrieved they didn’t manage at least a point from a close encounter but Rovers will take much encouragement from what looks likely to prove an exciting striking combination of Claridge and Burborough who were well serviced by the pace of lane and Hulbert down the flanks.


Team: Perrin, Tovey, Beswetherick (Stewart 84 mins), Price (Burborough 19 mins), Hughes, Cousins, B Cleverley, Claridge, D Cleverley, Hulbert
Subs not used: Pendry, French, Phillips

Referee: Richard Greenwood
Assts:  Ian Loader / David Brown

Attendance: 121

Star Man: Dave Burborough (Rovers)

Sponsors' Man of the Match (as selected by Paul Holbrook of P H Roofing Limited: Ben Cleverley