(courtesy of the Haverhill Echo)

Haverhill Rovers were undone by two Michael Brothers goals as they slipped to their first pre-season defeat of the summer.

The loss at Ridgeons First Division side Brantham Athletic, who have assembled a team full of experienced Ridgeons players, was not a complete disaster though, as Haverhill showed more signs of improvement.

But sloppy defending allowed Brothers to net twice, with Cody Frazier’s reply sandwiched between.

Rovers shot-stopper Ed Campbell had already had to save twice from Brothers after two defensive errors when he was faced with the Brantham attacker bearing down on goal again.

This time Brothers made no mistake by rolling the ball home just four minutes before the break. Half-time sub Cody Frazier held off Andy French and rounded Munson to equalise.

Parity remained for just 15 minutes until Brothers was awarded too much space on the edge of the Haverhill box and he curled the ball home beyond Campbell.

Marc Abbott missed two late free kicks, the first dipping just inches over the bar and onto the roof of the net.

ECHO MAN OF THE MATCH: Cody Frazier.

ROVERS (4-4-2): Campbell; Hollingsworth, Hammond (Deeks 69), Thomas, Holmes; M Abbott, Challis, Elkins (Frazier 46), Shearer (Hurkett 65); Cutts, Jenkin.