Despite taking an early lead, Rovers bowed out of the FA Cup, in what proved to be manager Sam Morgan’s final game in charge.
Morgan’s last side saw six debutants with Roshan Greensall in goal, Kieran Smith at the right of a back three, a midfield trio of Aaron Lamont, Adam Aziz and Osaretin Otete, whilst Timothy Obisanya led the line.
The opening 15 minutes saw both sides adopt an attacking approach, with very little in the way of defending. The Sparks twice went close in the opening five minutes, first up the lively Finlay Johnson hit the post with a shot on the turn, and then a neat ball by James McElligott found Blake Loyza and his effort from 8 yards cannoned off the post and wide.
Rovers struck the opening goal on seven minutes when a neat Osaretin ball found Tyrese Osborne and his low drive beat Sparks keeper Danny Bracken away to his left. Rovers continued to hold the upper hand, and should have increased their lead on ten minutes when a tricky run down the right by Jayden Smith saw his low cross pick out Aziz but he could only guide his effort over the bar.
The Sparks were level on 12 minutes, when a deep corner picked out Will Grieveson at the back post and his loopy header evaded Greensall to bring the scores level.
Bracken saved well midway through the half from a low Ben Holden strike and a couple of minutes later a deflected Osborne strike drifted passed the left hand post, and that was pretty much as good as it got for Rovers, as the Sparks, driven on by skipper Ryan Healy, started to take control of the game and their fierce press forced Rovers into a number of mistakes.
Johnson headed over from close range on the half hour and a minute later the Sparks were a head. Rovers gifted the Sparks possession midway inside their half and McElligotts drive down the right flank ended with a decent cross that was only half cleared, and the loose ball was fired into the ball corner by Healy.
Loyza went close to increasing the lead as Rovers struggled to contain the home side.
Rovers did go close to levelling things up shortly before the break. A press forced McElligott into a mistake, Otete was fouled in the process of shooting giving Rovers a free kick in a dangerous position. Aziz though saw his free kick hit the wall and the rebound fly high over the bar.
Smith had a good chance to level on the stroke of half time, but his effort was comfortably saved by Bracken.
Rovers started brightly in the second half, Holden released Otete who raced beyond McElligott before cutting inside and seeing his shot deflected for a corner, which came to nothing.
It was effectively game over five minutes into the half. A collision just outside the Rovers area saw Bert Lloyd forced into a rushed clearance, and with Rovers protesting the decision the Sparks took a quick corner and Remfry’s looped header drifted in for 3-1.
The rest of the game then took on very much the feel of a pre-season friendly. The Sparks were happy to control the game, without really threatening the Rovers goal, whilst at the other end, despite some neat hold up play by Obisanya and the quick feet of Otete, Rovers were unable to trouble the home backline.
The final action came in stoppage time when a fierce Craig McGee free kick smashed into the Rovers crossbar and away to safety.
For the Sparks it is a trip Crowborough Athletic or Bearsted in the next round, whilst Rovers have to lick their wounds and come back stronger, and under new management.