Flower blooms with two penalty saves to seal crucial victory

GOALKEEPER Simon Flower saved two penalties as Bourton Rovers enjoyed a 3-1 Hellenic League Division Two West success over in-form Adderbury Park

Rovers opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Harry Larner scored with a diving header meeting a cross at the back post.

Another Rovers goal followed when Steve Nurse slotted the ball home from close range after Park failed to clear their lines - his fifth in two games.

Rovers continued to dominate up until half time and were rewarded with a third goal when Josh Fielding fired the ball into the top left hand corner.

Fielding missed a chance to make it four from close range before Adderbury were rewarded for all their hard work when Rovers switched off at a set piece and Park’s centre forward headed home from close range.

Adderbury were awarded a penalty after a needless tackle by Jake Forster but Rovers keeper Simon Flower pulled off an excellent save.

Park were then awarded another penalty when Forster handled the ball on the line and was shown a straight red as the ball was goal bound.

Adderbury changed their penalty taker but he was denied by another top-drawer save by Flower, this time clawing the ball out of the top right hand corner.

Manager Scott Powles praised Flower for his match winning saves.

He said: “I have always been an admirer of Simon and signing him this summer was for moments like this. He is a top keeper and he earned us all three points.”

Rovers entertain third-placed Abingdon United on Saturday.