SCOTT Adey-Linforth admits it is only a ‘small step’ after Bromsgrove Sporting moved out of the relegation zone following a 1-1 draw with Hitchin Town.
An early goal from Reece King put Sporting ahead only for Rio Deall to equalise for the visitors shortly before half time at the Victoria Ground.
The result means Sporting now sit one point clear of the Southern League Premier Central relegation zone although the two teams directly below them in the table have at least two games in-hand on the Rouslers.
However, after Bromsgrove stretched their unbeaten run to six matches, Adey-Linforth admits his side must bring themselves back to reality following a fine run of results over the festive period.
Adey-Linforth said: “We’ve moved out of the relegation zone for the first time in a long time, it’s a small step but a positive step.
“As disappointing as a draw is, the unbeaten run continues, it’s definitely something to build on.
“It’s been a very tough Christmas period for us, a lot of tough and physical games against top teams.
“We have to pinch ourselves a little bit and bring ourselves back to reality.
“No one expected us to get the results we did over Christmas.
“On balance it was a fair result, there wasn’t much in the game at all.
“Neither keeper had too many saves to make, it was a big battle in the middle of the pitch.
“We lacked that cutting edge in their half with the ball, it was a game of not many chances.”
Sporting had the game’s first chance as Theo Robinson crossed for Reece King only for the latter’s tame header to bounce into the gloves of Sebastian Stacey.
The home side came forward again soon after as Jamie Meddows skewed a shot wide of goal after good work from Fin Holmes down the left.
Holmes then forced Stacey into a save low down to his right with a shot from 20-yards out as Theo Robinson converted the rebound only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
However, Sporting deservedly took the lead on 14 minutes when Hitchin could only clear a cross into the path of King who lashed a shot into the left corner of the goal from 10-yards out.
Hitchin drew level five minutes before half time as Deall’s cross from the left looped over Charlie Price and into the net.
The visitors almost turned the game on its head just past the hour mark as Bradley Bell fired a shot from distance narrowly over the crossbar.
Sporting’s only chance of note in the second period saw substitute Harry Crook shoot straight at Hitchin goalkeeper Stacey when well-placed in the box.
Bromsgrove are next in action against Barwell on Saturday, January 11 with kick-off at 3pm at Kirkby Road.
