Rovers unbeaten in six in the league to go top

The arrival of Canvey Island striker Danny Heale, who dual registered with Rovers was naturally taking the headlines before the game and it was Heale that Rovers boss Dan Trenkel was hoping would convert the numerous chances that his side has created this season.

With the game barely ten minutes old, Trenkel thought his new signing would get on the scoresheet as the ball found it's way to Heale in the area and the 31 year old's shot warmed the keepers hands from close range.

From the resulting long throw, Heale's strike partner Dan Williams could only manage to head the ball narrowly over the bar.

With Rovers getting crosses into the box from both wings, it was only a matter of time before one was converted, yet the opening goal of the game came from a corner, Dave Collins firing the ball towards the near post where Julian Simon-Parson rose highest to flick the ball over the advancing keeper into the corner of the net.

Rovers were in the ascendancy and London APSA struggled to clear their lines and get a hold in the midfield, and just four minutes later, Jimmy Webb's deft ball over the defender was flicked over the keeper by Heale, who will surely find the net a few more times this season.

Yet as much as Rovers should have put the game to bed in the first half, some sloppy passing allowed APSA back into the game and Rovers found themselves on the back foot with just 10 minutes of the half remaining.

Dave Collins weak pass allowed APSA in and with keeper Louis Godwin-Green off his line, the lob landed just over the bar. And as APSA continued to pressure, the goal came via a little piece of luck but some superb reactions as a cross-cum-shot was turned goalbound.

As Rovers struggled to get going in the second half, Trenkel threw on Ashley Hawkins and Ty Benjamin on the hour mark.

In the 70th minute Jimmy Webb was found with a lovely cross field pass from left back Max Kent and as Webb travelled into the area, he was brought down leaving the ref with just one decision. The winger taking the spot kick to give Rovers a two goal cushion.

The match warmed up with fifteen minutes remaining as Stuart Hepburn bounced off the keeper following a great cross into the box by Dave Collins. The keeper, taking offence to what he believed to be a late challenge fuelled his team mates and a fracas ensued. As both teams calmed the referee awarded a yellow card to a player from both teams, Hepburn unlucky to find his name in the book.

The game finished with both sides pushing on, but as the final whistle was blown, Rovers were keen to hear that Bethnal Green had drawn, and top of the Essex Senior League had been achieved. Now to consolidate it........