SAM HORTON scored a stunning free kick as Bromsgrove Rovers AFC thrashed Hampton Sports 4-1 in their rescheduled Holder Cup tie, writes Neil Gordon.
An early double from Tom Hill put Bromsgrove in command before Horton struck either side of half-time at Charford Road.
Connor Powell grabbed a consolation for the visitors on a difficult afternoon which saw one of their coaching staff sent off.
Rovers will face Galore in the quarter-finals of the competition having overcome Hampton at the third attempt after two weather-related postponements saw the tie switched to Bromsgrove.
Hill opened the scoring after just 70 seconds when he fired home from a tight angle at the back post as Rovers made the perfect start.
And the home side doubled their advantage after Bailey Depper Gwilliams’ excellent lay off found Hill in space to convert.
The referee halted proceedings on 36 minutes to brandish a red card at the Hampton technical area for apparent violent conduct towards a Bromsgrove player.
Upon the resumption of the game, Horton finished off a superb move to put Rovers three goals ahead at the interval.
Hampton improved after the break but Bromsgrove remained dominant as Horton blasted home a stunning free kick from distance to seal the home side’s place in the quarter-finals.
And Horton almost completed his hat-trick but saw his powerful shot come back off the post.
Powell netted a consolation for Hampton as they looked for a lifeline but the tie belonged to Bromsgrove who produced a scintillating performance.
Rovers AFC boss Spencer Machin said: “This was the best we have played all season – we looked lively and controlled the game defensively throughout.”
Bromsgrove are next in action against Yardley Wood on Saturday, January 25 with kick-off at 2.30pm at Charford Road and admission free.
Elsewhere, Bromsgrove’s reserve side moved up to second place in Division Six of the Birmingham and District Football League.
Goals from Ben Murphy, Jaeger Sansoy and Liam Chatterley sealed a 3-2 victory against Nechells Athletic at Charford Recreation Ground.
