Added March 3rd 2008 -

Romulus 1 - 0 Rothwell Town

British Gas Business League Division One Midlands

Saturday 1st March 2008

Yet again, and I know it is beginning to sound boring, but Rothwell Town were by far the better footballing side on the pitch during this defeat to Romulus and didn't deserve to lose.

Apart from a 30-second lapse in concentration, the Bones defence were outstanding for the whole of the first half and protected their goal stoutly.

Romulus forced a dozen corner-kicks. But Rothwell keeper Tom Smith did not have a save to make.

The one lapse came on the half-hour mark when Romulus player-coach Paul Hunter headed down to Richard Allen. His through-ball was fired home from 18 yards by Tyrone Fagin - giving Smith no chance.

Six minutes later Adam Cunnington was very unlucky when he headed a Steve Purton free-kick just over the bar. Rothwell started the second period brightly with Liam McInally, Micky Tolton and Michael Boyle-Chong all going close to netting that elusive equaliser.

The play was all in Romulus' half apart from one break on 71 minutes when Smith pulled off a tremendous save to deny them. But then it was all Rothwell again and two minutes later home keeper Mark Shields denied Cunnington with a great save.

He was also on hand to thwart a Purton free-kick and Boyle-Chong fired narrowly wide of the far post from three yards. As time ran out, Romulus keeper had to be replaced when he dislocated two fingers making a brave save at the feet of Cunnington.

With 15 minutes to go, Jon Stead should have done better at the newar post and the home goal was under siege for the last 10 minutes. But the goal never came for Rothwell and Fagin's earlier strike proved to be enough for Romulus to seal all three points.

Rothwell are on the road again this weekend when they travel to Willenhall in a bid to secure their first win since New Year's Day.

Thanks to the Evening Telegraph.

Romulus: Shields (sub Harris, 80 mins), Allen (sub Brown, 55 mins), Tiernan, N Batchelor, Folkes, Lanns, Hamilton, R Batchelor, Fagin, Hunter (sub Daniels, 62 mins), Francis. Subs not used: Mitchell, Perry.

Rothwell: Smith, Bridgeford, Purton Bewers (sub Ritchie-Smith, 70 mins), Greasley, Flannigan, Tolton, Boyle-Chong, Cunnington, McInally, Stead (sub Boath, 88 mins). Subs not used: Kattus, Wilkinson.

Referee: Mr M Amphlett.

Goal: Fagin (31 mins, 1-0)

Attendance: 102

Man of the match: Ben Greasley (outstanding performance in the centre of defence)

Match rating: 7