Bourton take cup form into the league with narrow win

Bourton Rovers returned to league duty after securing to cup finals with a narrow win over Faringdon Town.

Manager Scott Powles left out Connor Teague who was still carrying a thigh injury and centre midfield Danny Way was also missing after it was confirmed he would miss the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.

The game was played in horrendous conditions with heavy winds and a wet pitch not helping both teams to play attractive football.

Rovers started the game well and dominated the ball not only in the opening exchanges but throughout the ninety minutes.

Bourton created some very good early chances with corners causing Faringdon Town plenty of headaches.

Rovers lost Callum Trott in the twentieth minute when he picked up an ankle injury after a heavy tackle.

After dominating the possession, Rovers finally opened the scoring in the thirty second minute when inform Steve Nurse tapped in from close range. This was Nurse's fifth goal in three games.

Rovers then missed the chance to go two goals up three minutes later when Dan Smith was denied by an excellent save from Towns keeper.

The half drew to a close with Rovers totally on top.

Rovers came out for the second half determined to pick up all three points.

They again dominated possession and continued to create very good chances which weren't converted.

Sam Mattock went close in the seventieth minute when he struck the inside of the post only to see the ball runaway from danger.

More chances followed but Rovers couldn't find a second.

Rovers then introduced Adam Webley after almost a year out of first team action. Webley looked dangerous when he came on and his willingness to run in behind was demonstrated when he latched onto a through ball and toe poked it pass the keeper only to see the ball roll just past the post but Rovers saw it out to take three points.

Afterwards, Powles said:"We had to work hard against a tough Faringdon team who were in our faces throughout and made it difficult for us to play.

"It was great to see Steve score again as he has been brilliant for us this season. It was also great to see Sam Mattock and Adam Webley play today as they will have a big role for us during the run in."