Halesowen clash with Gloucester City a washout

Jan 16 2008 By Nick Pullen, Birmingham Mail

HALESOWEN'S hopes of going top of the BGB Southern Premier Division were dashed when their match with Gloucester City was abandoned at half-time with the scores at 1-1.

Persistent rain finally brought a premature halt after Dean Brennan had fired second-placed Yeltz in front on 29 minutes only for City to level two minutes later through Jack Pitcher.

Bromsgrove Rovers' 2-2 draw at Chippenham Town survived five pitch inspections before the Wiltshire side's Bristol Road ground was finally given the go-ahead to play. Former Solihull Moors striker Josef Jakab fired Rovers into a sixth-minute lead but Kevin Halliday headed Chippenham back level before the break.

Halliday was sent off after 57 minutes and from the following Mat Birley free-kick, central defender Andy Jones headed home.

Rovers looked set to wrap up the points when Leigh Downing had a shot blocked on the line and Mark Benbow followed up to force home only for it to be ruled offside.

Ten-men Chippenham made the most of their reprieve as Aaron Cornwall equalised with seven minutes remaining.