Rovers slip to disappointing defeat.

After 20 minutes of frankly forgettable football Rovers suffered a set back with the loss of Rob Claridge who was taken to hospital in Swindon with a head wound.

The game sprang to life on 37 minutes when Rovers first decent passing move saw skipper, Dan Cleverley, set up new signing, Neikell Plummer but home keeper Sam Worrall made a point blank save. Worrall then produced an even better save as a slick passing move saw Chris Lane clear but the keeper got down low to his right to turn the ball away.

Rovers paid the penalty a minute from half time as Robbie Wyatt’s cross from the right dropped to Matty Taylor who slotted the ball home to give North Leigh the lead.

The second half was much better spectacle. It began with Rovers’ keeper, Courtney Redwood, producing a fine save to block a shot from Ryan Curtin while at the other end lane shot wide of the far post after a good ball from Charlie Rich. Jamie Taylor then saw his header bounce off the North Leigh crossbar and away to safety. Redwood was forced to make a couple of further saves as the play switched from end to end.

The visitors deservedly levelled on 73 minutes when Plummer set up Rich down the left and his cross was headed home by Taylor.

The home side responded and restored their lead on 82 minutes as Rovers needlessly conceded a free. Ryan Curtin’s curling kick from the right was headed home by Karl Dodds.

With Rovers pressing for an equaliser they lost possession in midfield, the home side broke and Taylor ran unchallenged to score his second 5 minutes from the end.   

Rovers: Redwood, Pendry, Rich, Tyrrell, Price, Cousins, Barwood, Lane Claridge, Cleverley (C), Taylor
Subs not used: Lacey, Ball, Milsom, Plummer, O’Hara

North Leigh: Worrall, Posey, Futcher, Helby, Huxley (C), Dodds, Wyatt, Hole, Taylor, McCabe, Curtin,
Subs not used: Smith, Burnley, Spears.

Referee: D Eaton
Assts: S Glyde / M Tudor

Attendance: 66

Star Man: Matty Taylor (North Leigh)