Swan on top as Rovers hit for six (From Ledbury Reporter)

Swan on top as Rovers hit for six

10:30am Friday 30th March 2012 in Sport

HANLEY Swan went three points clear at the top of Cheltenham League Division Three with an emphatic 6-1 win at title-rivals Shurdington Rovers. The visitors were up for the game and created several chances in the opening minutes before taking the lead on 10 minutes. From a direct free-kick just outside the box, Jon Palmer stepped up and found the top corner, giving the keeper no chance. Following sustained attacking play, Palmer scored his second from another free-kick and Andy Rogers put Hanley 3-0 up soon after. Matt Atkinson and Richard Foley were commanding the midfield and a great throughball from the latter set up Palmer for his hat-trick before the break. Playing down the slope, Shurdington started the secondhalf well, creating a couple of half-chances while, at the other end, Rogers had a shot cleared off the line. With tireless work from Cathal McTernan, Hanley got back into their stride and it was not long before Atkinson buried a shot to give them a comfortable lead. Shurdington did not give up and were eventually awarded a disputed penalty to pull a goal back. The game was settled when Foley hit an unstoppable shot from 25 yards to make it 6-1. Hanley visit mid-table Moreton Rangers Reserves tomorrow (3pm).