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Report by Jon Green

A rasping strike from Sam Hill was enough for Rovers to take all three points from a fixture with fellow promotion chasing, Buckland Athletic, on a wet Saturday afternoon.

This was likely to be a tight game with just a point separating the teams going into the game. It was Rovers that came out the blocks quickest; immediately putting the visitors under pressure. Keeper, Sowden-Bird, had to be quick to prevent an opener in the first five minutes but the goal came just two minutes after that.

After winning a corner, Dan McBeam swung in a cross that looked like it was going to be easily cleared by a Buckland defender, but his attempt at the clearance only found Sam Hill lurking on the edge of the box. The ball sat up nicely for him to hit a fierce strike that went through a crowd of players before hitting the back of the net. A memorable one for his first of the season.

Rovers continued to pile on the pressure and further attempts by Dan McBeam, Elliot Haffendebn, Kitan Jaiyeoba and Wayne Nderemani went begging. All the while, the hosts were limiting Buckland and not allowing them to break free but at the mid-point in the half, a snap shot from a Buckland player produced a good save from James Smallcombe. There followed a short period of pressure where the visitors won a couple of corners but the Rovers' defence stood firm.

The best chance to add to the total came near the end of the half as Wayne Nderemani hit a shot across the goal that seemed to be heading well wide but Kitan Jaiyeoba diverted the ball with a back heel, sending the it inches past the post.

Rovers were well on top at half time but 1-0 leads can always be dangerous. The hosts should have been further ahead. Somehow, the lead wasn't doubled early in the second half. Substitute, Kyle Witt, charged into the box squaring the ball to Kitan Jaiyeoba who was just a couple of feet out. The tricky pitch conditions meant he slipped at the crucial moment and the ball hit his chest and bounced off slamming into the post.

Further chances came and went from Dan McBeam, Kyle Witt and Jaiyeoba but Rovers still weren't being unduly pressured themselves. As the game moved towards the final few minutes, the narrow lead led to a few nervy moments. In the 79th minute, James Smallcombe had to react quickly to get to a long ball before an oncoming attacker. If he hadn't made it, the Buckland man would have been able to knock the ball into an open net.

Buckland did see some more possession as the time ticked on and the Rovers supporters certainly started to feel the nerves even if the team didn't. The visitors were unable to work anything that really tested Smallcombe and despite the narrow scoreline, Rovers were worthy winners.

Jake Everett, of match sponsor Cinch Self Storage, chose Kitan Jaiyeoba as Man of the Match after his hard work leading the line!