Rovers progressed into the next round of the FA Cup with a deserved win over Bashley of the Southern League Division One with goals from Kye Simpson and Kitan Jaiyeoba.

Pre-match talk around the ground seemed to suggest that the hosts would be the underdogs for this clash. Afterall, its not that long ago that both teams were in the same division with Bashley winning both ties in last season's league campaign. Hopes took another dent when Billy Padfield was forced out of the warm up after dislocating his shoulder. Everyone at the club wishes Billy a speedy recovery!

Latest signing, Luke Ingram, was drafted in hurriedly from his substitute position and the game got underway. Straight from the off Rovers pressed Bashley into mistakes and the first goal came in the second minute through that hustling style. A good move saw Rovers push down the right with Jack Farion and Kye Simpson combining well. They were held up by the Bashley defence but a poor back pass to Ross Casey in the Bashley goal was chased down by Dan McBeam. Under pressure, Casey could only pass the ball directly to Simpson who lifted the ball back over the keeper into the net.

It was just the start the home team needed and the confidence grew as the half progressed. Soon after, Will Osborne skilfully got himself from the edge of the box into a great position but somehow blazed his shot over the bar. The second came in the 18th minute when, reminiscent of his goal last weekend, Kitan Jaiyeoba picked up the ball on the left and cut in along the edge of the box before unleashing an unstoppable shot. Casey got a hand to the ball but was never going to stop the ball hitting the net.

Stung, the visitors began to get some traction into the half but Osborne and Sam Hill worked hard to break up their play. When they did make it through the midfield, captain Josh Ford marshalled his defence to make sure Dan Jackson had very little to do in the Rovers goal.

After a half time 'ticking off' Bashley came out with a renewed vigour and their best move of the game got them a foothold in the 53rd minute. Jamie Webber picked up the the ball in the right back position and pushed forward. After a one-two he pushed on into the Rovers box before moving the ball out to Scott Bungay who was on the right of the area. He hit a shot that seemed to bobble and deceive Jackson with the ball ending up in the lefthand bottom corner.

The goal gave Bashley the impetuous and they continued to press forward. However, the home team worked together from front to back, and in the main restricted Bashley into half chances with Jackson only really needing to make one more serious stop. All the while, McBeam and Jaiyeoba worked to relieve some of the pressure and even created several more chances. Late in the half, McBeam unleased a shot that was deflected onto the post and away to safety.

Naturally, the game became very frantic towards the end but Rovers held on in what seemed like an eternity of added time to get the win they deserved.

We will go on to play Hamworthy Recreation at their ground on the 17th August. Our next game will be home to Barnstaple Town on Saturday 10th August with a 3pm kick-off.

Man of the Match: Josh Ford