Bristol Rovers 2 Darlington 1

Last updated : 26 April 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Andy Rammell set out to secure Rovers League future with his fourth goal in three games as they ran out eventual 2-1 winners over Darlington.

Rovers have collected nine points thanks to Rammell's goals, but the 36-year-old striker, who joined them seven games ago, does not know yet whether they want him for next season.

"We haven't even discussed it," he said. "I've been totally focussed on helping to keep them up but if they want me I'll stay." His goal came midway through the first half when he had time to chest down a short ball from Chris Llewellyn before volleying past the one time Rovers' keeper Andy Collett.

Collett had no chance with that one but his safe hands when he came off his line kept Darlington out of a lot more trouble.

Fifty years ago this weekend Rovers won the old Third Division. That season they won 26 times, but this was only their 12th of a scratchy troubled campaign.

Darlington, though, were never going to roll over and kept their shape well while on the left Tom Newey had the pace and control to worry Rovers' defence.

For a long spell in the second half Darlington were on top. The pressure, much to the delight of their 124 fans in a crowd of 9835 erupted when Clark Keltie hammered in an equaliser on 67 minutes.

It was a chance fisted to him by Rovers' unhappy keeper Scott Howie.

His weak clearance followed a cross from the right from Ryan Valentine which he should have collected.

Eight minutes later Rovers were back in front after their man of the match Lee Hodges had been bowled over.

From just outside the D Wayne Carlisle bent his free-kick into the top right hand corner.

Thousands invaded the pitch on the whistle before Rovers came out for a lap of honour - or rather one of sheer relief.