BROMSGROVE Rovers AFC reached their first-ever cup final with a 4-1 penalty shootout win against Thimblemill Rec in the Intermediate Cup semi-finals, writes Neil Gordon.
The men’s team will now compete in their first final since forming in 2021, after their thrilling semi-final ended 4-4 after 90 minutes of play.
The Greens will face Desi later this season for the chance of lifting silverware.
Birmingham and District Football League Division One Bromsgrove, backed by a crowd of 67 at Charford Road, needed extra time and penalties to overcome the stern test of Division Four giant-killers Thimblemill Rec.
Ash Pardoe put Bromsgrove ahead on 16 minutes only for Thimblemill to equalise instantly through Jack Hardeman’s penalty.
Robbie Davies then put Bromsgrove back in front moments later when he converted from the spot.
After the interval Davies grabbed his second to give Rovers a seemingly commanding two-goal lead on 54 minutes.
However, Thimblemill staged a comeback with three goals in six minutes to level the scores and then take the lead.
Firstly, Rian Russell pulled a goal back on 56 minutes before a quickfire double from Jabia Wright and Hardeman saw Rec go ahead.
However, Rovers never-say-die attitude was evident as Jack Dawkins levelled the game in stoppage time following great work by Bailey Depper-Gwilliams.
And with no more goals in extra time the tie went to penalties which Bromsgrove won.
Jake Evans, Sam Horton, Davies and Jack Hopper all scored their penalties for the home side, while Rovers goalkeeper Jacob Brown also saved a Rec penalty.
The Greens are now through to the final and in touching distance of silverware.
Bromsgrove play Silhill at Eldorado Close on Saturday, February 28. Kick-off is 2.30pm and admission free.
