as the Blues lost 3-1 to Aston Villa and lurched nearer to relegation from the English Premier League.

Goater's fellow Bermudian Kyle Lightbourne made his first appearance this year for Stoke City, who improved their chances of promotion from Division Two with a 4-1 hammering of Bristol Rovers.

Goater put City ahead after just 12 minutes, but Paul Merson equalised for Villa and then a dreadful error by City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver gifted the visitors the lead moments before half-time.

Lee Hendrie completed City's misery with the third Villa goal in the 65th minute to codemn Joe Royle's team to a defeat which left them entrenched in the relegation zone.

City are third from bottom and four points adrift of fourth-from bottom Middlesbrough. Both teams have seven matches left to play. The bottom three will go down to Division One.

Goater's expert finish rounded off a fine City move, sparked by a fine pass from Danny Tiatto, who was later sent off, and an excellent run and cross from Jeff Whitley.

Lightbourne had last played for Stoke in their 1-0 win against Bristol City on December 30, before coming on as a 71st-minute substitute for Bjarni Gudjonsson at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Stoke were already 3-0 up at the time and Lightbourne made an immediate impression, going close with two flying headers.

BUTCHER ARRIVES AT LAST CRI Butcher arrives at last Bermuda's national cricket coach Roland Butcher has finally arrived in Bermuda.

The former Middlesex and England middle order batsman was expected in the Island in January to formally take up his three-year post with the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, but has been delayed in England after finding out the process of relocating and organising his personal business would take longer than expected.

BCBC president El James said: "Mr. Butcher is in Bermuda, he arrived here on Friday night.''