Report by Jon Green

A heathy crowd turned out in warmer than expected conditions to witness Rovers play their second pre-season friendly at Longwell Green Sports.

Having put six past Odd Down earlier in the week, hopes were high for a similar total. Things got off to a good start when an early mistake by the Longwell Green keeper gifted the opening goal. Some nifty footwork was still required before getting the shot away though. The equaliser came just three minutes later when the visitors made a mistake of their own at the back allowing Longwell Green to tap home.

Rovers looked good to add to their total though. They were making very quick breaks and the hosts were finding it hard to handle the pacey front men. But they were resilient and managed to fend off Rovers whilst making some dangerous moves of their own.

The second half opened with a number of changes to both line-ups and it only took two minutes for Rovers to retake the lead after a good team move. A third followed three minutes when a similar move down the right ended up with the ball being swept home.

Rovers were now having the lions share of the possession and Longwell Green were struggling to offer much going forward. Rovers' fourth came in the 72nd minute after some neat play around the box opened up space and the ball was hit home with the keeper having no chance. A flurry of goals then followed. Rovers on the break were stopped at the edge of the box but the defender could only get a foot in and the ball fell nicely for the attacker to run in on and score. The sixth was tapped in from close range but Longwell Green pulled one back after a scramble in the box. All in all, another good work out for team who slowly got on top of a stubborn Longwell Green side.

Next up we have our first friendly at the Winterfield Stadium when Chippenham visit on Tuesday 16th July. 7.30pm kick-off.