Rovers out through Penalties

Rovers welcomed back Marley Hamilton and Tarik Dallas who had both been absent since sustaining injuries earlier on in the season, as well as Carl Knox who had recovered from a slight thigh injury.

The first half hour was equal in terms of chances, however there was nothing too troubling for either goalkeeper.

Three minutes before half time, Rovers broke the deadlock. Charlie Hayford drifting over to the right to put in an inch-perfect cross for Marley Hamilton to volley home and open his Rovers account.

Into the second half and the Staffordshire side had a new lease of life, nearly scoring straight from kick off albeit for a last ditch tackle from Will Peck. Three minutes later the scores were level, Jospeh Berks getting onto the end of a looping cross.

The turnaround was complete five minutes later, Jack van der Laan’s daisy-cutter finding the far corner.

Kempston manager Scott Dash introduced Caleb Steele soon after, and the midfielder was the provider for Kempston’s equaliser, setting up Harry Stratton to head home and get his third in three games.

Rovers didn’t have to have a ‘cold Tuesday night (near) Stoke’ as matches now went straight to penalties. Newcastle went 2-0 up after two each, but Rovers forced it into sudden death, but it was the visitors who won the shootout 4-3.