JAMES Dyson's late equaliser made him an instant hit with the huge band of Bromsgrove followers who travelled to Hampton Road for last Saturday's season opener to witness Rovers' return to the Dr Martens Western.

One of ten new signings to arrive in the summer revamp at the Victoria Ground, Dyson had only been on the pitch for 14 minutes when he showed his goal-shy colleagues what scoring is all about.

The former Birmingham City youngster thundered home a cannonball volley from 25 yards, which flew into the net off the underside of the crossbar.

Rovers and their fans ought to have been celebrating a winning start to their campaign at that stage instead of breathing a huge sigh of relief that a point had been rescued.

But until Dyson's dynamic right foot strike Rovers looked to have sweated buckets in vain on a scorching afternoon as they wasted enough chances to have won all their games up to the end of September.

Rovers didn't just control this game - they dominated it!

True, they did begin a shade tentatively as the new faces settled in, but from the moment Steve Pope fired one effort narrowly over the bar from the edge of the penalty area on 10 minutes, they took over.

So how was it every Rovers' face bore a look of shock and disbelief at the break as the home side walked off with a one goal advantage from their only telling strike at goal?

Warwick had been limited to an occasional glimpse of the Rovers' penalty area as their visitors laid siege and created a number of opportunities.

Unfortunately on 40 minutes, a momentary lapse of concentration at the back left Rovers chasing the game. They left a gap - big enough to make even Moses smile - which enabled Rustrom to stroll through and slot past Chris Taylor.

Chances for Rovers were scorned by a succession of players, including Les Palmer and Steve Taylor, and it continued into the second half.

Not even the award of a somewhat dubious penalty could provide the inspiration for a victory push.

Wells was adjudged to have held Taylor from behind on 55 minutes. Sadly, the out-of-sorts Palmer saw Jones beat away his spot kick.

Rovers though signalled their intention to continue to push for the breakthrough by bringing on two forward substitutions as the clock ran down.

Jones was grateful to his crossbar for denying Beckett's free-kick on 72 minutes, and again a few minutes later when the hard-working Burgess rolled an intended cross along the same piece of woodwork.

Then came the magnificent 82nd minute strike from Dyson, arriving virtually out of nothing before Rovers spurned a few more chances.

In stoppage time Rovers ought to have clinched the points but Richard Burgess couldn't find the finishing touch after being sent clear.

On the plus side Rovers can look back on several good individual performances - Stewart Brighton looking as steady and dependable as ever on his return to the club, Kevin Banner revealing he has brought last season's fine form into this one, and Burgess's strong running and determination also bodes well for the hard weeks of work ahead.

They can also be pleased with the level of all round fitness displayed on a day really meant for relaxing in a comfy chair with a cold drink close by.

And Rovers, and Dyson in particular, can also look back on a goal that is already a strong contender for the league's goal of the season - and that after just one match!

It's also a goal which gives Rovers something to build on as they seek to re-establish themselves on the long road back to a higher grade of football.