Local derbies are always tough, passionate affairs, but they take on a whole new meaning when they’re also crucial to the outcome of the season. The Rouslers are set to enter a make-or-break month, so how could the slew of upcoming derbies help define their chances of success this year?
Recent results show the way
Bromsgrove currently sit in 16th place, so they are closer to the foot of the table than the top. However, recent results show that the Rouslers are becoming a tough team to beat, particularly in the red-hot atmosphere of the fiercest local derbies.
While picking up three points has been difficult, Bromsgrove have managed to rack up enough draws in vital games to suggest that they’ll make a strong finish to the season. Some of their recent performances have included a gritty 2-2 draw against Stamford that showed us how resilient this team can be when the chips are down.
One of the interesting aspects of their poor start to the season is that Bromsgrove have to seek revenge for some defeats suffered at the hands of different local rivals. Redditch United, Halesowen Town and Worcester City are among the big local rivals to have inflicted heavy defeats on the team earlier in the season.
The importance of upcoming derbies
February is set to bring a selection of tough games against Bromsgrove’s biggest rivals. This includes matches against the likes of Worcester City and AFC Sudbury, followed by Redditch United early in March.
With the season heading into the home stretch, there is sure to be a focus on these contests, as all of the teams battle to finish as high as possible in the table. At the time of writing, the home game on 21st February against Worcester is arguably the tastiest derby, with Bromsgrove eager to make up for the 3-0 away defeat back in October that still stings supporters.
After that, the Redditch game is away from home on the second of March. This is an opportunity to avenge the 3-0 away defeat suffered in August, though these teams also produced an intense 1-1 draw at the end of the year.
You can keep an eye on the games as they happen by looking at the LiveScore Bromsgrove Sporting scores. Check the team’s latest results and then follow the action as it happens, with every goal and major incident listed right away. This is a smart, convenient way to stay in touch with all of the action when you can’t make it to any of the big games but don’t want to miss any of the excitement.
The impact of key players
To gain a secure mid-table position at the end of this season, the Rouslers need to hope that their key players have a big impact in the upcoming games. The team are only 10 points away from reaching a respectable 10th place in the league, so who are the players that need to drive them towards this target?
Luke Benbow is possibly their biggest chance of success in the tight derby games coming up, as the veteran striker has shown a knack for staying cool and scoring in the toughest fixtures. He recently scored the important late equaliser against Stamford and also got the winner against Barwell, so the fans will be hoping to see him pop up with more vital goals in the remainder of the season.
Billy Shaw won the Player of the Month award for December, and his ability to link midfield and attack could be another factor that helps the Rouslers pick up some major victories. The team’s attacking play vastly improves when he has the space needed to dictate play.
In defence, captain Aaron Roberts and goalkeeper Rory Brown are among the key figures who help to keep things tight and organised at the back. In these high-octane derby games, having real leaders in defence is invaluable. With Max Asante-Boakye and Archie Duerden, the new defensive signings from Sheffield United and Aston Villa, fresh faces and extra depth have been added to the squad.
Aiming for a strong finish
The way that Bromsgrove’s form has started to pick up suggests that the team could have a strong finish to the season. While every point is critical for a high finish in the table, the remaining derbies are likely to be even more crucial than usual.
Written by James Smith
