BROMSGROVE Sporting finished another difficult season with a 1-0 home defeat against Barwell as new boss Paul Smith watched on from the stands.
Former Sporting striker Tristan Dunkley scored the game’s only goal on 77 minutes at the Victoria Ground to ensure the Rouslers ended the campaign with a defeat.
The result means Bromsgrove finish the Southern League Premier Central season in 17th place just five points above the relegation zone.
However, with Smith’s return to the Victoria Ground confirmed for next season, Sporting will hope to climb up the table in 2024/25.
Following the departure of interim boss Tim Flowers before the final game of the campaign, captain Luke Rowe and vice-captain Aaron Roberts took charge of the side.
And the Rouslers made a strong start as Keanu Cooper fired narrowly wide from a tight angle after Barwell goalkeeper Liam Castle fumbled Jack Newell’s initial effort.
Nathan Blissett then headed Shaquille Leachman-Whittingham’s cross wide when left unmarked in the box before Roberts smashed an effort against the crossbar.
Barwell improved after the break as Beck-Ray Enoru missed the target following a fine run before Jahvan Davidson-Miller’s effort deflected into the arms of Ollie Taylor.
However, the visitors claimed the points when substitute Dunkley tapped home after good work from Enoru.
The club also revealed their end-of-season award winners as Roberts claimed the Supporters’ Player of the Season while Rowe won Players’ Player of the Season and Managers’ Player of the Season.
And goalkeeper Taylor won Directors’ Player of the Season with David Solademi Young Player of the Season and Jon Badger Supporter of the Season.
Lastly, Dave Stephens, the club’s football secretary and a director since the Sporting’s formation, claimed the Chairman’s Special Award.