Football - Bourton Rovers (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Football - Bourton Rovers

Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division 1 Bourton Rovers 0 Smiths Athletic 1

A solitary goal ten minutes from the end proved enough to give Smiths what could turn out to be a vital three points in their quest to land the northern senior league title.

There was to be no reward for a battling Rovers performance that could have seen them end with a share of the spoils from what had been a hard fought division one fixture.

The goal when it arrived was disappointing for the home side. A low cross from the right flicked up off the legs of goalkeeper Herbert, and Payne, attempting to head clear, could only divert the ball back across goal from where it was bundled gleefully into the net.

It was always going to be the sort of day that one moment of skill or an untimely error was going to prove the difference and as the game had progressed it looked increasingly likely that one goal would pay dividend.

So it proved, and the fact that it went to the visitors is indicative of the way the breaks seem to go when you have a side that is pushing for the honours against a mid-table outfit just looking to salvage a bit of pride and upset the apple cart.

The high wind was a major contributory factor in making attractive football difficult, and with it at their backs it was the Cheltenham side that pushed hardest for a first half breakthrough.

Powell was a constant menace down the left and it was from his direct running that Herbert was forced to pull off a desperate block with his legs as Buckland connected powerfully with a pulled back cross.

And the elements caused further concern when Powell lifted a high, hanging corner into the wind and it swirled and dropped tantalisingly on top of crossbar.

Bourton to their credit held firm and nearly took the lead themselves when Winters free header from Davansos cross saw a decent save from the goalkeeper. McPhilimey also went close with a header from a corner, but he couldnt keep his effort down and it sailed harmlessly over.

The second half was a cagey affair with defences largely on top, and a blank scoreline was looking an increasing possibility. But it wasnt to be and although Rovers pressed hard for an equaliser after the goal, Smiths got men behind the ball and held out for victory.

Disappointingly, having now played the top three sides both home and away, Rovers have failed to take a single point from any of the fixtures. It was a similar story last season and is something they will have to remedy if they are to start competing for honours in this division.

There is no fixture on Saturday (March 16th) although the second team host Christchurch Nomads in the Cheltenham League, kick-off 3pm.