After their dismal dispaly in League 2 last weekend, Rovers faced the daunting task of taking on League 1 St Edmunds FC, at the Heath, in the quarter-final of the Mick McNeil Cup.
Rovers were forced into making several changes with Ally Clarke, Justin McKenzie and Rob Green all missing. Jamie Maxwell and boss, Paul Jeavons were drafted into the starting line up which also saw the return of Scott Glacken between the sticks.
Knowing that they would need to be at their very best if they were to get anything out of the game, Rovers began the game very brightly indeed and certainly had the better of the early exchanges.
Their efforts were rewarded after 20 minutes when a nice passage of play saw Martin Coverdale find himself in plenty of space in the St Eds area, and he made no mistake from 12 yards out to put Rovers 1 up in the tie.
10 minutes later the Whites went further ahead when another good move saw Jamie Maxwell volley home in great style for his 1st goal of the season, as Rovers continued to have the edge over their League 1 hosts.
Despite some late pressure by the home side in the dying minutes of the half, Rovers went into the break 2 goals up after one of their best 45 minute performances of the season.
Paul Jeavons was delighted by his side's 1st half display and the organisation they had shown throughout the match but warned Rovers that they were bound to face a 2nd half onslaught as St Eds were bound to come at them after the break in an attempt to get themselves back in the game.
His words of warning were spot on as the hosts started the 2nd half much brighter, as Rovers found the going a lot tougher defending up the slope.
Despite their opponents possession, the Whites coped comfortably with everything their hosts had to throw at them as they continued to defend well as a unit.
The home side did finally break down Rover's resilliance just after the hour mark, when a firmly struck 20 yard effort, was accurate enough to beat Glacken low down to his left to half the deficit.
The game was then turned on its head 10 minutes later when the home side drew level in very controversial circumstances. A ball into the Rovers area was bundled home at the near post by what looked like a hand but a crowded area made it very difficult for the referee to see the incident clearly and the goal stood.
With extra time looming, Rovers pushed forward a little more as they went looking to find a winner and with a little under 10 minutes to go, Lee Glacken was bundled over in the St Eds area and it was he who picked himself up to fire the Whites back into the lead from the penalty spot.
Paul Jeavons then packed the midfield for the final few minutes of the game as Rovers looked to see out the tie and despite St Eds pouring forward at every opportunity, they were able to do just that to seal an impressive, deserved victory.
Rovers now face another League 1 side in the form of Bartons FC, in the semi-final of the competiton, which will take place in the new year.
The Whites are again in Cup action at the Heath next Saturday, when the face Barons 1985 FC in the League 2 cup quarter-final.
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