Buoyed by a great result against higher league opposition in the FA Cup last week, Rovers looked sharp from the beginning. Dan McBeam and Kitan Jaiyeoba were using the wings well to get in behind the Barnstaple defence to put in a number of dangerous crosses but the visitors defence coped well and James Weeks in their goal was not needed to make a save in anger.

As time wore on, Barnstaple gained momentum and the game became much more level although the Rovers defence was also strong and the home keeper, Dan Jackson, also had little to do.

In the 31st minute, possibly Rovers best chance of the half fell to Dan McBeam who was just yards out. With the goal at his mercy, the ball seemed to get stuck under his feet which allowed the keeper enough time to set himself for the resulting shot. At the half time whistle, the game was even and with more clinical work in the box, either team could have been ahead.

The second half began with Rovers looking good again. An early chance fell for Dan McBeam again and in the 51st minute, good work on the right by McBeam and Jack Farion picked out Kitan Jaiyeoba at the far post but he caught it badly and the ball looped up over the goal when it seemed easier to score.

As with the first period, Barnstaple worked their way back into the game but a nil nil draw seemed most likely with neither keeper being unduly tested at any point. The momentum changed entirely when Ryan Keates was brought down in the box in the 66th minute. Tommy Rogers dispatched the spot kick with Dan Jackson beaten by the pace of the shot.

With tails now up, Barnstaple began to turn the screw. Their passing became crisper and quicker whilst Rovers seemed to fall back on long hopeful balls out of defence. The visitors looked dangerous in every foray forward and put the game to bed in the 74th minute with a great goal from Gabriel Rogers. Having danced around a couple of defenders he worked his way into the box and hit a curling strike around the keeper.

Despite some late pressure from Rovers in added time it was clear they were now second best and Barnstaple walked away as deserved winners.

Next up is the Shepton Mallet derby and Rovers will need to be far more clinical with their chances to get back on track!

Next three matches:
Tuesday 13th August. Shepton Mallet (A) - K/O 7.30pm
Sunday 18th August. FA Cup. Hamworthy Recreation - K/O 1pm
Tuesday 27th August. Shepton Mallet (H) - K/O 7.30pm