The Romans' last victory at Hillsfield was on May 1, 2004 against Oldbury United, so it was ironic the same side provided the opposition for Saturday's success - a win which maintains Rocester's bid to beat the drop.

They did, however, have to thank goalkeeper Paul Wood for several fine saves to make sure of the win which puts them just two points behind second-bottom Westfields, who they must yet play twice.

Rocester lost winger Craig Hancox through injury early on, and Wood was forced to make the first of his crucial saves from Liam Newall's close-range shot before the Romans began to settle.

Paul Tortoishell had already forced Oldbury keeper Brendon Healy into a good save before Adam Baum gave the Romans a 26th minute lead. Healy's attempted clearance towards the halfway line was chested down by the Rocester player, who coolly sent the ball back over the keeper into the net from fully 40 yards out.

Healy was soon in action again, saving another effort from Baum with his legs.

Oldbury came more into the game in the second half and equalised with a controversial goal on the hour.

Wood appeared to have gathered a corner when the ball seemed to be knocked out of his grasp by an Oldbury player and prodded into the net by Ben Smith.

Baum had a chance to restore Rocester's lead, but the ball took an awkward bobble, while Oldbury substitute Solomon Griffiths caused some concern in the Rocester defence, but was twice denied by full-length saves from Wood.

Two minutes from the end, Baum's low cross from the right was tucked home by Ruddock to send the Rocester supporters wild with delight.

Even a last-minute melee involving several players, which led to red cards for Oldbury's Andy Dodds and Leon Mitchell, as well as Rocester boss Michael Rowe, could not take the gloss off the Romans' victory.

Uttoxeter Post & Times