GODMANCHESTER Rovers recorded another fine win on Saturday to go third in Division One of the Eastern Counties League – but the result was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to star striker Paul Bass.

Now Rovers will miss their prolific goalscorer when they play West Midland’s side Bloxwich United in the second round proper of the FA Vase on Saturday.

However, returning striker James Hall scored twice in their 5-1 win over Long Melford at Bearscroft Lane after re-joining his former club following his move to St Ives Town during the summer.

Hall, 22, found it difficult to hold down a first-team place at the United Counties Premier Division team and decided the grass wasn’t necessarily greener after all.

He has now scored three goals in two games for Rovers and his return could hardly have been more timely.

“All credit to the lad,” said general manager Karly Hurst. “It was his decision to leave St Ives and come back to us – and we welcomed him back.

“There was no thought in our heads that he couldn’t come back. He’s a Godmanchester player first and foremost.”

Bass had a couple of early one-on-ones but failed to beat the Long Melford goalkeeper before Hall rifled home the first goal in the 25th minute. It was Bass who scored the second, from the penalty spot, after a Melford player had handled the ball in the box. But just before the break Bass went down under a heavy challenge and was forced to leave the field with suspected ligament damage. He is out until Christmas whatever the problem!

In the second half Godmanchester upped their game and played some magnificent football and Mike Hyem and his brother Chris set up Jordan Brocket for the third goal, playing a lovely one-two with each other before feeding the player with a perfect ball to run on to.

Melford got a goal back then but Tom Moran made it 4-1 when he bundled the ball home from a corner. The fifth was scored by Hall who volleyed home his second of the game after Brocket had played a clever pass into his path.

Godmanchester have three weeks off from the league with their big FA Vase game this Saturday followed by further matches in cup competitions.

Fakenham Town are their next Eastern Counties Division One opponents, on December 3.