SCOTT Adey-Linforth admits he thought the game was lost after Bromsgrove Sporting produced a stunning comeback to win 3-2 away at Barwell.
Sporting striker Reece Styche marked his Rouslers debut with the opening goal only for Ashley Chambers to draw the visitors level after the break at Kirkby Road.
And Brady Hickey’s goal seven minutes from time appeared to hand the home side the points.
However, Fin Holmes equalised for the Rouslers on 89 minutes before Aaron Roberts struck four minutes into injury time to spark wild scenes of celebration.
The result means Bromsgrove sit 17th in the Southern League Premier Central table, four points clear of the relegation zone.
Sporting took to the field for the first time since captain Luke Rowe’s departure to divisional rivals AFC Telford United.
And Adey-Linforth admits he wants to replace Rowe but only if the right player becomes available.
Adey-Linforth said: “It was an excellent game and advert for non-league football.
“A part of me [thought the game was lost], we stayed calm and showed a bit of character, when we got the second one I felt confident we could go and nick it.
“We showed real character, it was a big game for both teams, we faced adversity, we stuck to our plan and went and got the win.
“I didn’t realise it was Aaron who scored, it was just a melee, he wears his heart on his sleeve and loves the club.
“The break did us a little bit of good, we had some bumps and knocks in the camp, it’s been a really tough period for us physically.
“Rowey’s an unbelievable player, he gave absolutely everything while he was here and he’s been given an opportunity at a great club.
“I want to bring someone in [to replace him] but I want it to be the right player, they’ve got to be the right character.”
Bormsgrove broke the deadlock two minutes before half time as debutant Styche finished from close range after Will Highland kept out Jamie Meddows’ initial effort.
However, Barwell drew level on 69 minutes when Chambers headed home Ryan Hayes’ looping cross at the back post.
And the home side turned the game on its head seven minutes from time as a corner fell at the feet of Hickey who finished from close range.
However, Sporting equalised on 89 minutes when Holmes poked Meddows’ cross into the net.
And Sporting snatched the points in a dramatic late twist as Roberts turned the ball home from eight-yards out after Barwell failed to deal with a long throw from the right.
Bromsgrove are next in action against AFC Sudbury on Saturday, March 1 with kick-off at 3pm at the Victoria Ground.
