Rovers hold out to earn 3 vital points

Match rport from Andy Harris

In a hectic start to the game SYCOB’s, Oliver Godwin, spurned two half chances interspersed by a volley from Rover’s, Jon French, that cleared the bar by some margin.

Rovers took a deserved lead on 14 minutes when they were awarded a free kick 25 yards out on the left. Ben Cleverley’s kick to the far post found the head of the diving Dave Burborough who beat the visitor’s keeper, Nick Hart, to score his third goal in three games since returning to the club.

Jon Beswetherick, playing out of position in the centre of defence, should have added a second 3 minutes later when he got on the end of another Ben Cleverley free kick from a similar position, but his effort was easily saved. SYCOB’s prolific striker, Bradley Bubb, did well on 20 minutes to collect a clearance and turn his marker, Rob Cousins, but his shot was off target. At the other end Josh Jefferies at the back post saw his header, from yet another free kick go just wide and Rob Claridge saw his near post header from Ben Cleverley’s corner suffer a similar fate. Burboroughs 36th minute pass saw Ben Cleverley clear down the left and his cross dropped to brother, Dan, but his volley cleared the bar.

Rovers eventually got the second goal their play deserved when on 38 mins, Chris Lane, went on a great run down the left, which took him past two defenders, before crossing to the near post where Jefferies was on hand to touch the ball home.

The visitors were much better in the second period and should have reduced the arrears almost immediately as Bubb found himself clear only to shoot weakly straight at keeper, Kyle Phillips. Burborough at the other end then had an almost identical chance but he too could only find the keeper having latched on to a defensive headed clearance from Cousins. On 63 mins Claridge released Burborough again and this time he dragged his shot across the keeper and wide of the far post.

The visitors began to take control pushing Rovers ever deeper into defence and it was no surprise when they got back into the game on 76 mins as a good move saw Austin McCann set up Charlie Hill who showed great composure before firing home from 15 yards out.

Despite almost constant pressure, including a number of corners in succession, SYCOB never really created another clear chance as Rovers’ hard worked defence superbly marshalled by Cousins, held out to claim three valuable points.

Team: Phillips, Tovey, Lane, Jefferies, Beswetherick, Cousins, B Cleverley, French, Claridge, D Cleverley (C), Burborough (Hulbert 76 mins)
Subs not used: Pendry, Boys, Trought.

Referee: Andrew Rodda (Exeter)
Assts: Andrew Gibbons (Burnham on Sea) / Paul Heywood (Cullompton)

Attendance: 148

Star man: Rob Cousins