BROMSGROVE ROVERS AFC beat new club Henley Forest 3-1 in pre-season on the same day the Green’s recently formed reserve side also won their inaugural fixture, writes Neil Gordon.
Late goals from the returning Charlie Vale and Ryan Moore secured victory for Rovers after Harvey Flemming’s impressive equaliser had cancelled out Ash Pardoe’s second-half opener at South Bromsgrove High School.
After a goalless first-half Pardoe broke the deadlock for Bromsgrove on 55 minutes when he buried a loose ball inside the box following a Rovers free-kick.
Flemming equalised for Henley Forest on 75 minutes after a drinks break when he curled home a fine free-kick to score Henley’s first-ever goal to the delight of their squad.
However, Rovers reclaimed the lead when an unmarked Vale headed in from a corner on his return after 18-months out with injury.
And Moore sealed the win fro Bromsgrove late on as Rovers’ greater fitness level showed.
After the final whistle Henley’s number seven saw red after receiving his second yellow card for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
Rovers manager Spencer Machin said: “This was a decent result as our pre-season preparations continue to go well. I’m also keen to sign new players who can strengthen the first team.”
Elsewhere, Rovers’ newly formed reserve side completed their first-ever fixture with a 1-0 victory against Village FC’s D side at Charford Recreation ground.
The game’s only goal came on 81 minutes from a trialist in a match comprising three halves of 30 minutes each.
