Cup Misery Continues for Rovers

Rovers were knocked out of the first round of the Beds Senior Cup at the hands of South Midlands side Leighton Town.

Scott Dash made five changes from Saturday's 2-1 defeat to AFC Dunstable, as Quigley, Cooper, Wielblad, Drakulic and Gibson all returned in place of Debayo, Hayford, Bakogeorge, Stratton and Lodovica.

The first half lacked a lot of quality, the ball was turned over frequently and counter attacks were on for both sides. DeMatos and Charles were having the most joy down the left, a number of crosses evading Wielblad and Drakulic in the box.
Rovers' best chance fell to Wielblad who found himself through on goal, however as he looked to round Coulson in the Leighton net, the centre back timed his tackle to perfection to deny the striker. Charles also had a header well saved from a Drakulic cross.
Drakulic was forced off through injury shortly after and was replaced with Bakogeorge.

Into the second half and Rovers made their second change, Dallas making his return to first team action as he replaced Massingham in the back line.
The breakthrough came on the hour mark, Tre Charles finishing off a well worked move to get his 11th of the season.

The visitors turned it around in 10 minutes, firstly from the penalty spot and the second was a very well worked move finished by Towell.

With 15 minutes to go, Charles levelled the game capitalising on a mistake at the back from Leighton.

No other goals in the 90 meant it went straight to penalties. Bakogeorge and Quigley at fault for Rovers leaving Leighton to win the shootout 4-2.

Rovers will be hugely disappointed to not progress after leading, however it is a common story with Rovers last cup win coming in August 2019 in an FA Cup win at Gorleston. Good luck to Leighton Town in the next round as they will now host Luton Town in the last eight.

Rovers are next in action this Saturday as we head to Didcot looking to distance ourselves from the bottom three. All travelling support once again appreciated.

Photo credit: Ian Godbold