A J S Construction win the sponsor's draw but a brace from Weymouth's Scott Brice denies Rovers on the pitch

Match report from Andy Harris (photos from Dave Aldridge to follow)

Both sides played some neat passing football on a good surface and after a very even opening it was Rovers who went ahead on 33 minutes as the visitors conceded a free kick 30 yards out. Charlie Rich struck a superb left footed free kick that went over the wall and curled past keeper, Ryan Harrison and into the back of the net.

Rovers regained possession from the restart and Danny Barwood released Chris Lane who calmly slipped the ball pat Harrison to make it 2-0.

The visitors responded with a long range effort from martin Slocombe that Courtney Redwood did well to tip over the bar. Rovers then suffered a set back as new recruit, Ashley Calderwell, was forced to retire with a knee ligament injury.

After the interval Rovers almost added to their lead as Dean Pendry and Rich combined to set up Rob Claridge whose volley went just wide. The true nature of the friendly was revealed in the second period with Rovers allowed Weymouth reserve keeper, Simon Evans to play for them in the second half and having made a good save to deny Matt Cooper, he was beaten on 50 minutes as Rovers lost possession and Scot Brice’s 30 yard effort left him stranded.

Rovers made no less than 10 changes during the game and although substitute, Gareth Wright went close with a header the visitors gained a last gasp equaliser as once again Brice got his name on the score sheet this time heading home a long throw from the left.

Team: Redwood, Tovey, Rich, Ball, Price, Cousins, Jeffries, Lane, Claridge, Barwood, Calderwell.
Subs: Taylor, Hulbert, O’Hara, Hemmings, Pendry, Burchall, Nolan, Collier, Wright, Evans (G/K)

Weymouth's website is at-

After the game in the bar Rovers held their sponsor’s draw and their ex goalkeeper, Steve Phillips (now with Bristol Rovers having also played with arch rivals, Bristol City), pulled out the name of A J S Construction and this will be the name on Rovers’ new home and away strips this season. Their was also a draw for spectators with an excellent range of prizes and our thanks got to all who participated in both draws, those who donated prizes and especially to manager Andy Jones and the staff at Flowervision Limited for organising it.

Anyone wishing to get involved in any form of sponsorship are very welcome to contact Tony Walsh on01761 417983 or any member of the commiittee.