Miserable Day for Rovers

A depleted Rovers headed for the first time ever to Cirencester to face a team on the up after a shaky start to the season.

Harry Riley was out injured, Kyle Lincoln and Seb Simpson were both absent, as well as James Hatch who was only fit enough for the bench. A back four of Kerins, Ronayne, Dahie and Quigley started, as well as a first start of the season for Bakogeorge up front.

Rovers started the game well with the wind with them this half, Stevens finding Baker with a long cross-field ball but the wingers shot was well blocked from 20 yards out before Bakogeorge's rebound was deflected over.

Baker then had the best chance of the half on 17 minutes, Bakogeorge linking well with Rovers' top scorer but this time his shot was palmed away well low down.

The hosts were growing into the game and on 24 minutes the deadlock was broken. A cross from the right found Irving who split the defence to head past Rose.

Thinks were made worse on 39 minutes, Stratton was adjudged to have made a foul in the box although it seemed the midfielder was kicked himself. The referee gave a penalty which Lee converted.

Stratton was forced off shortly after following the incident, replaced by Wielblad, however the hosts had time to make it three before the break. This time Muyembe going to ground in the box and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot; Rose this time guessing correctly but Lee's penalty was well placed into the corner.

Into the second 45 and Rovers were against the wind, but this seemed to suit both teams more than with it. Stevens having an effort from range which just beat the near post.

With 15 minutes to go Baker was replaced by Wilson with the striker still looking to get off the mark for the Walnuts.

On 86 minutes the hosts got their fourth, a big scramble in the box and Lee got his hat-trick underneath the crossbar following a corner.

A neat turn and finish from Shepherd in stoppage time completed the rout, with Rovers feeling frustrated after a bright start but with a lot of changes the fluidity wasn't quite there. A big thank you to the Walnuts who made the trip to this fixture.

Next up Rovers head to Creasey Park on Saturday to face AFC Dunstable.

Photo credit - Graham Hill.