BROMSGROVE Sporting go into their FA Cup second qualifying round away to league rivals Barwell tomorrow (Saturday) after a mixed week of results in the Southern League Premier Central.
Last Saturday they suffered their fourth home league defeat in as many games to Kettering Town but then on Tuesday they beat Long Eaton away 1-0.
Bromsgrove Sporting v Kettering
Kettering, themselves, had been in a run of poor form and their victory over The Rouslers at the Victoria Ground was their first in their opening seven games of the season.
The Poppies scored their first goal within nine minutes, striker Tyrone Lewthwaite making the most of a poor defensive error to score past home goalkeeper Ollie Taylor.
Picture by Chris Jepson. s
Five minutes later, Kelvin Langmead’s powerful shot into the corner of the goal doubled the visitors’ lead.
Sporting still created opportunities but couldn’t get the ball past keeper James Blunkell.
In the second half, Blunkell continued to pull off great saves from both Jack Newell and Keanu Cooper.
An inspirational double save by Blunkell in the 80th minute from Billy Shaw, who won Sporting’s Player of the Match, and Prince Henry prevented Bromsgrove from getting back into the game.
Picture by Chris Jepson. s
In the second minute of added time, Henry’s strong header was judged not to have crossed the line, much to the disappointment of the home fans.
Within the dying moments of the game, Bromsgrove’s Kieron Berry scored from a close range attempt created by Henry.
Long Eaton v Bromsgrove Sporting
On Tuesday, Sporting travelled to Long Eaton.
The Rouslers made two changes to the side with Callum King-Harmes replacing the unavailable Keanu Cooper and Kieron Berry replacing Prince Henry up front.
Picture by Chris Jepson. s
And the match began at a fast pace with both teams trying to move the ball quickly but neither managed to capitalise with the defences preventing any attempts.
As half-time approached, Sporting finally broke the deadlock when Shaw sent a quick pass through the middle and into the box for Conor Tee who struck a well-placed shot past Long Eaton keeper Ben Whiting.
In the second half, the home side pushed back looking for an equaliser but the biggest talking point came down the other end when Tee appeared to have been pushed over but the ref refused the penalty appeals.
Picture by Chris Jepson. s
Prince Henry replaced Pais to improve The Rouslers’ chances but it was Tee who came closest to extending the lead when his free-kick a couple of yards outside the box hit the underside of the bar with Whiting beaten – but it bounced back into play. Henry picked up the rebound but his shot went into the side netting.
Sporting held on and are still undefeated away this season. Their main challenge is to repeat this form at home.
Attendance – 168.
Sporting Player of the Match – Conor Tee.
