Rovers march on

Rovers came in to this game on the back of a great run of form in the cups. There were several changes to the line up, Jermaine Hall becoming the main front man after his weekend hat-trick and the return of Nathan Tshikuna after suspension as well as Ben Acquaye being restored to the starting line up for this fixture.

The game was fairly slow to get going in the early stages, both sides exchanging half chances, but it was Rovers that first tested the keeper, although Heath comfortably dealt with Acquaye’s shot. With twenty minutes played, the scoring was opened. Nathan Tshikuna picked the pocket of his opponent and surged toward the box. He cut back inside and laid the ball into the path of Ben Acquaye, who swept the ball home from around the penalty spot. Robbie Goodman had to be alert to block Roger’s goalbound effort after Conway couldn’t keep hold of a cross. Diamonds thought they were level two minutes later, when a long ball forward was under-played back to Martin Conway by the defence, allowing the Diamonds forward to nip in around the stranded Rovers stopper, only to drag the effort across goal and agonisingly wide when it looked easier to score. Shane Bush had a half chance on the stretch but couldn’t keep the ball down, but ten minutes before the break, Rovers extended the lead. Mason Spence cutting in from the right flank, clipped a neat ball through for Jermaine Hall to run onto, from the blindside of the defender. The forward got the merest of contact, but enough to slip the ball between Heath’s legs and into the net for his fourth in three appearances since joining. Diamonds thought they had a late shout for a penalty, when the ball was headed against Robbie Goodman, but the ball came off his thigh and not his arm. Kempston held firm and went into the break two up.

A double change for Diamonds at half time saw them raise their tempo for the second period. On the hour mark, they had their breakthrough. A cross into the area was flicked on by the on rushing forward, grazing the top of Alex Collard’s head. The deflection was as crucial as it was cruel, leaving Conway no time to react allowing the ball to nestle in the back of the net for two one. Seven minutes later, they had equalised. Jack Bowen muscled his way past his man to get to a long bouncing ball first, with just enough space left before the touchline to clip the ball in at the near post. Kempston appeared to be rocking, needing three goal line clearances in the space of fifteen seconds and Martin Conway denied Ben Diamond, Dolman and Bowen after a poorly dealt with corner. Bowen saw another header cleared off the line late on. Bush had one final chance for Rovers, but the save was comfortable enough for Heath.

With no winner after ninety minutes, penalties were required. After both sides saw their first kick saved and their second scored, Mason Spence put Rovers 2-1 up. Conway saved his second penalty of the shootout from Diamonds’ skipper Dolman. Conway then stepped up to take Rovers’ fourth kick and scored. Leaving Zak Reynolds with the job of scoring to keep Diamonds in the game, unfortunately for him, he blazed over the bar, Kempston triumphing by three to one in the shootout.

Rovers advance to round two of the Southern League Challenge Cup for the second consecutive season and will be looking out for the draw when it is made at Southern League Towers. All eyes for Kempston are now on this weekend and the FA Cup third qualifying round tie at Woking. The supporters’ coach is fully booked now, fans are advised to make alternative arrangements if they still wish to travel.