Rovers progressed to the next round in convincing fashion although their visitors gave them a few early scares. After just 5 minutes James Moon crossed from the right and prolific scorer, Dave Bailey, saw his volley go just wide of the post and then 5 minutes later the same player almost nipped in between home defender Jason Hughes and keeper Kyle Phillips but again his shot was wide of the mark. Rovers then took charge as first Ollie Price failed to get a header on target from a Ben Cleverley corner from the left and on 18 minutes Rob Claridge was unfortunate to see his powerful header come back off the bar from Chris Lane’s cross. Rovers were also denied 3 minutes later when Moon cleared a deflected shot from Ricky Hulbert off his own line.

 The breakthrough came on 27 minutes as Hulbert was bundled over on the right by a defender and Ben Cleverley’s free kick was swept home at the far post by Claridge. The visitors responded and Dean Pendry did exceptionally well to deny Bailey on 31 minutes. 

On 40 minutes a great ball from Pendry sent Claridge through but his shot from a narrow angle was easily saved. 

Just before the interval Rovers felt they should have had a penalty as Hulbert went down in the box after a challenge but referee waved the play on.

Jon French went close twice at the start of the second half, first from a free kick and then from a Lane cross.  Bailey then had a chance for the visitors but his volley just cleared the bar.   Rovers continued to dominate and Ben Cleverley saw his 35 yards shot pushed away by the keeper, Adam Sheppard and then Price had a header cleared off the line.

An inspired substitution on 79 minutes saw the introduction of Rob Cousins and with only his second touch he lashed the ball home following good work on the right by Claridge and Pendry. 

Rovers made the game safe 5 minutes from time when Ben Cleverley’s right wing corner was headed home by his brother, Dan.

Larkhall deserve great credit for their endeavour and played their part in a thoroughly entertaining cup tie but in the end Rovers just had too much for them and ran out comfortable winners to go into the draw for the next round.

Team: Phillips, Pendry, Boys, Price, Hughes, French (Cousins 78 mins), B Cleverley, Lane, Claridge (Sheppard 86 mins), D Cleverley (C), Hulbert.

Subs not used: Jefferies, Trought, Tovey, Stewart

Referee:  Adrian Shilston (Lydney)

Assts:  Robin Cox (Banbury) / Jonathan Livingstone (Bicester)

Attendance: 223

Ben Cleverley was voted by match sponsors Avon Autobahn of Saltford, as man of the match.

Clive Franklin on behalf of the sponsors also gave the August player of the month award to Ollie Price.