The visitors started much the brighter as the home side struggled to come to terms with the wind and rain and a new ball that seemed more suitable for beach volleyball than soccer as evidenced by the number that bounced alarmingly over the boundary fences throughout the game.

The few early chances fell to the visitors as twice poor clearances from Rover’s keeper, Kyle Phillips, fell straight to City players but neither Kyle Joryeff nor Richard Gregory could hit the target. However the home side finally began to find their game on 20 minutes as skipper, Dan Cleverley, forced City keeper, Clint Davies, into a fine save.

A minute later and in a move of real quality, Rovers went ahead. They took a throw in on the right which was collected by Chris Lane and his run and cross produced a simple tap in for Rob Claridge. The lead was almost short lived as 4 minutes later Rovers only partially cleared a corner from the right and an athletic overhead kick from Brett Williams clipped the top of the bar on its way into the crowd. Rovers then took charge and Dan Cleverley (header off target) and Josh Jefferies (shot straight at the keeper) both had chances to extend the lead but Rovers went in at half time with the slenderest of leads.

In the second half Claridge spurned a couple of half chances, failing to hit the target with a shot and a header and City were very unfortunate not to have drawn level on 61 minutes when a fine run ended with a shot from Adam Kelly coming back off the post with Phillips well beaten.

Such is football that 6 minutes later and Rovers scored again this time in spectacular fashion as a neat passing move ended with Ben Cleverley’s 35 yard dipping effort flying into the top corner and posting an early claim as goal of the season.

City deserve full credit for continuing to believe and the introduction of substitute, Moussa Mamadou, caused Rover’s defence some problems and they got their reward 8 minutes from time. Phillips did well to get down low to a shot but  could only push it away for a corner on the right which saw central defender, Matt Bowler, rise above everyone and power home a header.

Rovers will need to raise their game ahead of Tuesday’s visit to Cinderford Town, who began their season with an impressive win away at Didcot Town, but expectation is always high on the first home game of the season and manager, Andy Jones, will be only too aware his side are 3 points better off than this time last season!

Team: Phillips, Tovey, Boys (Sheppard 74 mins), Jefferies (Pendry 69 mins), Price, Cousins, B Cleverley, French, Claridge, D Cleverley (C), Lane
Subs not used: Hughes, Hulbert, Flower

Referee:         Phillip Milton
Assts:         Martin Bloor / Anthony Jacobs
Attendance:     170

Star Man: Ollie Price