JACK HOPPER was hero for Bromsgrove Rovers AFC after becoming emergency goalkeeper in the Greens thrilling 3-3 draw against leaders Sutton United, writes Neil Gordon.
Outfield player Hopper donned the gloves to replace unwell regular goalkeeper Jacob Brown as bottom side Rovers fought back from three-nil down at half-time to secure a point against the odds.
Bromsgrove became only the third team this season to deny Sutton maximum points at Hollyfield Road, when Jake Evans’ second-half double and Jack Dawkins’ strike cancelled out Jack Nation’s hat-trick for title favourites United.
The result means Rovers move off the bottom of Division One of the Birmingham and District Football League, after completing their first league fixture since November due to weather-related postponements and cup commitments.
And the Greens have as many as eight games in hand as they embark on a run of league fixtures and look to climb the table.
Rovers AFC’s assistant manager, Kristian Rock said: “Unfortunately, we didn’t take any of our chances in the first-half, whereas Sutton took theirs and punished us.
“We challenged the players at the interval to go out and get a result, and we can’t fault the lads for their work rate during the second half.
“We could have actually won it in stoppage time.
“This is a great morale boost and will give us confidence for the run of league games ahead.”
Bromsgrove play North Solihull at Eldorado Close on Saturday, March 14. Kick-off is 2.30pm and admission free.
