Table-topping Rovers travelled to OC's looking to extend their unbeaten run and to gain revenge for a shock cup defeat earlier in the season.

Starting for the First time in four months was Steve Hennessey who resumed his long and successful midfield partners up with Stuart Harwood.

Hill settled first and Hennessey's through ball found leading scorer Paul Welham who controlled and volleyed in one movement to open the scoring.

Almost from the restart, Hill scored again as Hunt volleyed against the bar and Welham poached the rebound.

Hill remained on top and the bar again prevented more goals as Hennessey's 20 yarder rebounded to safety, but goalkeeper Carabine was forced into a fine save to ensure a clean sheet at the break.

Within three minutes of the restart it was 4-0 and all over.

Firstly Ellender fired in a superb free kick and then Hunt slotted home after a great through ball from Tony Woods.

Hill then sat back to bask in their glory and of course OC's scored to make it 4-1. Welham slotted home what he thought was his hat-trick goal only for the referee to disallow it.

Not to be denied however, Welham notched his third of the game with a diving header following a fine lay off by Paul Walcock.

There was still time for the home team to net a late consolation goal as Rovers unbeaten run was extended to 11 games - their last defeat being at the hands of OC's on December 5 in the cup. Springfield win through

BEACON HILL ROVERS RES....1

SPRINGFIELD ROUGE................2

Rovers second string entertained Rouge and put up a great display, but again ended up with nothing for all their efforts.

Rouge drew first blood on 15 minutes and Rovers equalised before the break when Trevor Willis crashed home a tremendous 25 yarder to cap a fine all round performance and open his account for the club.

The second half was much the same although Rovers created the better chances but could not quite apply the finishing touch.

The winning goal was shrouded in controversy. Home defender Blake Crouch was in control when an attacker collided with him, both players stumbled but Crouch ended up on the floor leaving the forward one on one with Roberts in the home goal.

Needless to say he scored and the goal stood, much to the disbelief of both sides. Veterans' glory

BEACON HILL ROVERS VETS.....3

HERONGATE VETERANS..............1

Hoping to bounce back from last week's defeat Rovers took on newly crowned league cup holders Herongate and won with goals from Chris Maycock (2) and Sean Devine.

Rovers created many good early chances before Chris Maycock notched the first of his brace on 20 minutes.

Maycock added a second to put his side 2-0 up at the interval and when Sean Devine made it 3-0 soon after the restart it was all over.

However Rovers substitute, Mark Tomlinson came on with 20 minutes left to give Herongate some hope, and sure enough they notched a late consolation.

Tomorrow (Saturday) sees the first team at home to Margaretting (kick off 2.15pm at Snows Corner) whilst the Reserves travel to White Roding and the Veterans go to old rivals Latchingdon. Youth team see off Tiptree

BEACON HILL ROVERS YOUTH U10 2

TIPTREE MINORS U10 0

Rovers finished their league campaign in style with a good win over local rivals, Tiptree.

Both sides contributed to a good game of football with some neat passing and movement in cold and wet conditions.

Rovers showed that the excellent training of Keith Whiting and Alan Root was worthwhile and they will finish their first season either second or third dependent on results elsewhere.

They also have a cup semi final to look forward to.

Rovers had most of the play in the first half but were unable to open their account and Tiptree's lively forwards were well marshalled by Rovers defenders, Charlie Montrose and Liam Bowyer.

The second half continued in the same vein but this time Rovers had their reward as Niall Carey struck twice to seal all three points. Tollesbury's triumph

BEACON HILL ROVERS U17 3

TOLLESBURY JUNIORS U17 5

Rovers' penultimate game of the season saw them pitted against Tollesbury.

The game could have gone either way but Rovers lack of finishing power eventually cost them dear as the visitors made the most of their opportunities.

Rovers found themselves 3-1 down at half time with DJ Davidson having notched a first half strike.

Soon after the restart and Milne struck home a cracking goal to put the game in balance but Tollesbury scored twice more before Dylan Draper completed the scoring.

Rovers had two penalty appeals turned down both for fouls on Davidson and also missed a gilt edged chance from an indirect free kick inside the box.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.