Second half Rampage sinks Rovers

Rovers' difficult March fixture schedule continued with the much anticipated visit of Bedford Town to Hillgrounds.

With Rovers having not played for 10 days, it gave manager Scott Dash to get players back to fitness as well as bringing in some fresh faces. The starting line up featured three debutants, Joe Ringer replacing Carl Knox, as well as Jordan Payne and Rhamar Garrett-Douglas coming into the back line. Harvey Laws also returned having been out with suspension and injury.

On a lovely day at Hillgrounds, it was Rovers with the first opportunity to open to scoring. A clearance from McShane found Hayford through on goal, and under pressure from Keane he struck the crossbar from 15 yards out.

Just two minutes later the visitors had a chance to break the deadlock. Laws went to ground in the box and brought down a Bedford player, however Howe stepped up from 12 yards and unfashionably found the car park.

A tough half followed for Rovers, finding it difficult to break and get out of their own half after a number of chances for the visitors either off target or well saved from Ringer.

Into the second 45 and the pressure finally told. Just five minutes in following a Bedford corner, Setchell picked the ball up from 25 yards and unleashed a pinpoint half-volley into the top corner.

On the hour mark it was three, a similar position to the second but Summerfield this time who had the shot, but the former Rovers midfielder struck the post, only for the rebound to fall to Sanders who slotted into a empty net with Rovers slow in reacting to the strike.

Howe made amends from 12 yards, Payne this time the culprit bringing down Summerfield 6 yards out. The striker making it four on 71 minutes.

The scoring was eventually completed with two minutes remaining, Setchell getting his second from outside the area, this time a low-driven shot into the bottom corner.

Bedford keep their lead at the summit at four points with seven games to play, whereas Rovers stay 18th in the relegation play off, currently ranked 4th out of 8 in the PPG standings, meaning currently a relegation play off will need to be played. There are six games remaining for Rovers and are one point off Hertford.

We thank everyone for their support, the attendance at Hillgrounds was 645.

Photo credit: mygroundhoppingstory - Instagram