BROMSGROVE Rovers AFC moved level on points with leaders Silhill after winning their first local-derby against Redditch Borough 4-1, writes Neil Gordon.
A first-half brace from Jack Dawkins and further goal from Liam Chatterley put Rovers in command before Bailey Depper-Gwilliams added a late fourth at Cherry Tree Walk.
This result sees the Greens move joint top of Division Two of the Birmingham and District Football League with Silhill, who are above Rovers on goal difference having played two games less.
Bromsgrove can go three points clear of Silhill on Tuesday, April 8 should they beat Redditch Borough in their penultimate home game, as Rovers switch venues to play midweek and clear a fixture backlog.
Dawkins put Bromsgrove ahead just eight minutes into the derby clash as both teams tried to adapt to the hard playing surface and swirling wind.
Basement side Borough then stunned Rovers when Salman Darboe-Suwareh equalised despite Rovers goalkeeper Josh Nicholas getting a fist to his low firm shot.
Chatterley then restored Rovers’ lead on 34 minutes with his first goal since his promotion from the reserve team.
Dawkins pounced to add his second and Rovers’ third after being teed-up by George Tolley to give Bromsgrove a two-goal cushion at the break.
And Rovers’ leading scorer Depper-Gwilliams added a fourth at the death as Bromsgrove claimed another crucial three points in the title race and moved joint top.
Rovers AFC manager, Spencer Machin said: “We defended well, took our chances and deserved to win.”
Bromsgrove play Redditch Borough on Tuesday, April 8 with kick-off at 6.15pm at Eldorado Close in Studley and admission free.
