Despite arriving without socks, and a quick dash down the Purley Way (is there such a thing), to Sports Direct, visitors Thatcham Town proved too strong for a horribly below par first team.
It was 1-0 in the opening minute when a ball over the top found Muhamadou Ceesay and his low strike beat debutant keeper Oshane Brown away to his right.
With Rovers at sixes and sevens Thatcham continued to dominate, and Brown was forced into an excellent point blank save from Ceesay. It was 2-0 midway through the half when Ceesay planted a free header beyond Brown, leaving Rovers with a mountain to climb.
Rovers only effort on goal in the first half came just before the half hour but Aaron Jenkins saw his effort comfortably gathered by Callum Smart. That aside the visitors dominated and Rovers were grateful to go in only two down at the break.
It was 3-0 early in the second half when David Nyarko poked home to effectively seal the win.
Several changes buoyed Rovers with the introduction of Max Oldham and Isy Nzelo, and there was more purpose about the Rovers side, and they almost reduced the arrears when Aaron Jenkins thumped a header against the bar.
At the other end several chances went begging for Thatcham before Rovers picked up their consolation with a fierce Oldham drive.
A day to forget.
Full report to follow