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FRUSTRATION: Paul Lloyd (above) sees his shot blocked while Jermaine Clarke (below) tries to drive Rovers forward. Ref: MF00058 & MF00056

AT half-time the Meat Loaf hit Life Is A Lemon and I Want My Money Back' was played over the Victoria Ground's PA system.

A cruel coincidence rather than a sarcastic swipe from the stadium announcer, the rendition followed arguably the worst half of football Rovers have served up this season.

Of course, the level of restlessness from the home support is a long way from coming to the boil in a manner in which song title may suggest.

A chord may well have been struck in the dressing room, though.

While in the first half of this FA Cup clash Rovers looked disjointed, insipid and confused, their second half display saw them face the music.

Rovers showed greater penetration and invention - letting their Unibond Division One South opponents know exactly who was calling the tune.

It summed up best the frustration of their home performances this season.

Rod Brown had hoped a back to basics' approach may lift his confidence-shy troops.

The continued absences of Kevin Banner and Jamie Petty have notably disfigured Rovers' left side in recent weeks, prompting the boss to return to the familiar 3-5-2 of last season.

But it was a case of change of system, change of competition, same fundamental problems as Shepshed carved open the Greens back line in just 16 minutes.

Centre backs Carl Heeley, Lucan Spittle and Chris McHale were left flat footed as Matt Hill slipped a precise pass through their collective fort, after the midfielder had gathered up Spittle's feeble clearance.

Channon North was alert and breeched the offside trap to apply a straightforward finish, while the three defenders looked on, raising their arms for a half-hearted and hopeful offside appeal.

Despite seeing Jermaine Clarke float a 30 yard shot against the cross bar, Rovers were in desperate need of the half-time whistle in order to rediscover their focus. And while the second half didn't see them scale any real great heights, they cleared the air with two flashes of optimism.

The first was the promptness of their response - they emerged after the break with greater purpose, intent on firing straight back at the visitors.

The second was the untimely end to Nathan Lamey's mini goal drought.

Last season's top scorer had failed to find the net in a first team game since a 3-1 win over Woodford in April.

The dusty old book of football clichés tells us that a goalscorer is always waiting for that immortal slice of luck in times of adversity - namely the one that "goes in off his backside" to set him off on a role again.

However, there was nothing fortuitous about Lamey's 46th minute equaliser. It was a goal of superb agility and predatory instincts, giving off signs that the forward is back at peak sharpness again.

Jermaine Clarke gathered Paul Lloyd's return, powering to the byline before pulling back across the six yard area. Lamey timed his run to perfection, rising to flick the ball inside the far post with a deft left footed volley.

It was no more or no less than Rovers deserved, but while Lamey put one hoodoo to bed, another remains firmly planted on green and white shoulders.

The present run of five home games without a win is their worst start at the Victoria Ground for eight years.

Panic has not yet set in, but they may be forced to change their Meat Loaf selection - as home nerves remain on Razor's Edge'.

ROVERS: Lewis 5, McHale 6, Hines 5, Heeley 5, Spittle 5, Alsop 7 (Bridgwater 5, 70 mins), Walters 6, Dyer 6 (Snape 5, 90 mins), Clarke 7, LAMEY 7 (Davis 5, 78 mins), Lloyd 6. Unused subs: Taylor, Russell.

SHEPSHED: Hateley, Guiney, J Carter, S Carter, Mottershead, Hill, Banks (Williams, 64 mins), Lambert (Francis, 85 mins), North Adelukan (Spencer, 82 mins), Parr. Unused subs: Munn, Nugen.

Referee: Mr N.Day. Attendance: 348.

9:28pm Tuesday 18th September 2007

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