After the disappointment of their League 2 Cup semi final defeat last weekend, Rovers made the long journey out Lamble Close, to take on Beck Row FC, in a Bill Utting Cup quarter final tie. The Whites were looking to end a run of 5 straight defeats and in the process, keep their season alive by hopefully booking themselves another cup semi final. Standing in their way was a Beck Row side that Rovers had beaten twice already this season.
Rovers began the game looking very lively and it didn't take them long to break the deadlock. A lovely weighted pass from Ross Booty, 10 minutes into the game, set Phil Cowlan free and the Rovers striker made no mistake as he fired the ball past the onrushing keeper.
5 minutes later the Whites doubled their lead when they were awarded a penalty after Phil Cowlan was fouled in the host's area. Chris Roberts stepped up to slot the ball home and score for the 4th match in a row.
With Rovers seemingly in control, they were then guilty of yet another lack of focus and concentration, something that has plagued their season this year. They switched off for 5 minutes and in that time the home side were able draw level with 2 quick fire goals.
Rovers then switched back on again and 10 minutes before the break, a great run and strike from Chris Roberts, fired the visitors back into the lead from 25 yards out.
At the break, Paul Jeavons tried to drum into his side that although they had played well 1st half, they had to try and cut out the silly mistakes that they keep making, if they were going to go on and claim all 3 points from the match.
Within minutes of the restart, Rovers had restored their 2 goal advantage again, when Phil Cowlan again finshed well to score his 2nd of the afternoon and put the Whites 4-2 up.
The hosts didn't waste any time though in trying to get back into the game and before Rovers had a chance to try and control the game again, they were undone for a third time when they failed to deal with a Beck Row set piece.
The game then entered a relative period of calm as chances started to dry up at both ends.
Rovers task was then made a little easier when the home side were reduced to 10 men. The man advantage swung the game back into Rovers favour and with 30 mins remaining a stinging shot from the edge of the area from Phil Cowlan could only be parried out by the Beck Row keeper. Jamie Maxwell was the quickest man on the field to react and his following up resulted in a confident finish from close range.
Despite being a man up, Rovers were unable to extend their lead any further but were able to comfortably see out the remainder of the game to claim all 3 points and end their dismal run of results.
Whereas it was great to get back to winning ways, Rovers know that they must work hard on keeping their concentration during matches, if they are going to stop letting sides back into games. The win sees Rovers go on to book a semi final place where they will face League 1 side Garboldisham FC, at British Sugar.
Beck Row will not have to wait long for the chance of revenge, as they will travel to British Sugar next Saturday, this time to face Rovers in league 2 action.
