After 2 heafty defeats on the trot, Rovers were desperate to get back to winning ways and hopefully get their season kick started. Their task was made very difficult however, when they had to face League 2 leaders, Wickhambrook FC in League 2 action at a very wet, cold and windy British Sugar Ground.
With the 7-0 drumming by the visitors still fresh in Rovers' minds, manager Paul Jeavons made several changes to the starting line up, as Rovers went out looking to upset the form table.
A very bright start by the homeside saw them deservedly get their noses in front after 10 minutes when Danny Greeff scored a contender for goal of the season. The Rovers' wideman picked up the ball in his own half and beat several opponents on his surging run before firing past the visitors' keeper for a brilliant opener.
Rovers continued to match thier high flying opponents in both committment and endeavor and were once again rewarded for their efforts on the half hour mark when another fine individual run by Danny Greeff saw him set up striker Matt Lusher, who made no mistake from inside the area, to put the home side 2 up.
Their was no let up from Rovers as they continued to pose the greater threat going forward and remained committed in the tackle when needed. The home side were unable to extend their lead despite a couple of good chances to do so in the last 15 minutes of the half but were over the moon to go into the half time break 2 goals to the good.
Boss Paul Jeavons demanded more of the same from his side as he sent them out for the 2nd period and the squad delivered just that as they continued to look far the better side after the break.
Rovers put themselves into a winning position on the hour when a long, high ball pumped goalwards by Jamie maxwell, fell right at the feet of Mitchell Jerram, who had the easy task of tapping home from close range to put Rovers 3-0 up.
The final 30 minutes were a very different affair as the visitors finally got themselves into gear and started throwing men forward, as they went looking for a way back into the game.
They reduced the defecit to 2 with 20 minutes left when Rovers failed to clear a corner and the ball was lashed home from the edge of the area.
The goal certainly woke the league leaders up and the final period of the game was played pretty much all in the Rovers half.
With 5 minutes remaining Rovers were again guilty of not clearing their lines from a corner, and were again punished by their visitors, making a very nervy last few minutes for the home side, as they tried to cling on to their narrow lead.
Despite Wickhambrook throwing everything at them, Rovers did see out the last few minutes to claim a very hard thought but deserved 3 points.
Paul Jeavons was delighted by the result and even more so by his side's performance and hard work.
The Whites now have a week off next Saturday due to their early exit from the League 2 Cup but will be looking to build on this result when they host Beck Row Reserves FC in League 2 the weekend after.
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