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Whether it be down to injury or a lack of form; John, Alan and Andy have recently given chances to Matt Moran, John Jenkinson, Danny Lonergan and James Lewesley. Those of you who saw them in action in the recent games will agree that they did themselves and the club proud with their performances.

James Lewsley should get a further opportunity in the 1st team after news of Andy Cheethams 3 match ban came through this week It is quite a step up from Reserve Team football to the pace and frenzy of Dr Martins or FA Cup action but these boys coped well and if they maintain the right attitudes, there is no reason why they can’t improve further to make themselves regular members of the First Team squad.

It is widely known that John is looking at alternatives to strengthen the 1st Team squad but my brief when I took over from Alan Titterton was to develop a squad of players with the potential to step up if required by the 1st Team.

Budget constraints mean that its often difficult for John to bring in the sort of players he would like and that means that to a club like ours the Reserve Team play an ever important role. With the current lads we have I don’t think it will be too long before one or two more catch the eye and are involved in the 1st Team.

John Jenkinson has had the opportunity to Join Kidderminster Harriers and he decided to go and give it a go as see how he gets on. The club wish him well and should it not work out will welcome him back to continue his development here.

The Reserves maintained their 100% home record with a convincing win over Banbuy last Saturday. Rovers early play was scrappy and we went a goal downearly on but after 15 minutes we started to take control of the game and create a number of good chances but these were wasted by poor finishing.

Dean Smith was proving to be instrumental in midfield for most of Rovers good play and he was involved when the pressure finally paid on 35 minutes when his pass found Earl Alexander in space and his 20 yard drive found the corner of the Banbury net for the equaliser. Alexander turned provider after 40 minutes when a left wing cross found Greg Smith in space and he had time and space to convert from 6 yards for 2-1.

On the stroke of half time it was 3-1 when Ryan Yearsley finished well after being put through by Dean Smith. Rovers continued to dominate the game with some excellent football in the second half but they had to wait until 84 mins to add to the score. Kev Wagstaffs corner was met with a powerful header from James Lewesley which gave the Banbury keeper no chance. A minute from time Carl Timms completed the scoring when he smashed home Greg Smiths well weighted pass into the net from 10 yards.

Gary Norton