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Rovers where eventually held to 2-2 draw in the first round of the West Midlands League cup by holders Chasetown but nonetheless delighted manager Frank Northwood.

“It was a very encouraging performance,” said Northwood afterwards. “The lads put it together and we made plenty of chances.”

Northwood singled out reinstated defender Dean Page for particular praise, saying: “Dean did well and tightened things up for us at the back. I was much happier with our defensive performance.”

Northwood will be speaking to three players tomorrow with a view to strengthening his squad.

They include former Moat Ground utility man Michael Guest, now at Bromsgrove but not in manager Bobby Hopes’s current starting line-up, full back Jason Darkes, who got his name on the scoresheet for Dudley Town on Saturday, and an Ilkeston Town defender who Northwood declined to name.

The veteran boss said: “I’m shopping a bit at the moment – and why not? I might not come up with anything but it’s a matter of keeping these lads on their toes.”

Northwood has denied that he refused to shake hands Rocester’s manager after Saturday’s game insisting: “I’ve got no quibbles with Alan Beaman.”

Beaman accused Northwood and Rovers coach Steve Dolby of “talking garbage” after the pair dubbed his team “kickers” following Saturday’s game, claiming they refused to shake hands, prompting a touch line row.

Beaman later claimed that Dolby was “under pressure” and said “he shouldn’t take it out on me.”

But Northwood said last night: “At the final whistle Alan Beaman came straight up to me , said ‘well done’ and shook hands.

“Steve did refuse to shake his hand and we both felt that there was an element of kicking in the game. But Rocester had three players booked, we had none and we won. That speaks for itself.”