TRIS Dunkley’s debut goal proved in vain as Bromsgrove Sporting conceded late on to lose 3-2 at title-chasing Leiston after a stirring second-half comeback.
Sporting recovered from a two-goal deficit at the break to draw level through goals from Dunkley and Brandon Smalley’s penalty only for Will Davies to score the winner two minutes from time at Victory Road.
And the result means Sporting sit 13th in the Southern League Premier Central table.
The Rouslers made a dreadful start as Leiston took the lead inside 60 seconds when Adam Mills headed home with Bromsgrove yet to touch the ball.
And Leiston doubled their lead on 33 minutes when Davies powered the ball past Ollie Taylor after he latched onto a flick-on.
Sporting improved after the break and were rewarded on 56 minutes when Conor Tee was bundled over in the box and Smalley stepped up to confidently smash the ball into the top corner.
However, Leiston were awarded a penalty of their own soon after only for Taylor to make a fine save low down to his right to keep out Finlay Barnes’ spot kick before he also saved the rebound.
And minutes later Sporting were level when Dunkley nodded home Smalley’s cross on 68 minutes to complete an impressive comeback.
Leiston piled on the pressure thereafter as the home side headed over from close range and struck the post from a corner.
At the other end, Dunkley broke through on goal but could only poke the ball agonisingly wide of the post.
And Leiston snatched the points on 88 minutes when Davies netted his 28th goal of the season after Sporting were unable to clear their lines from a free-kick.
The Rouslers almost claimed a point at the death as Leiston goalkeeper Sam Donkin somehow kept out Jack Tolley’s low driven header from Tee’s whipped free-kick.
Sporting are next in action at home to AFC Rushden and Diamonds TONIGHT (Tuesday, March 21) with kick-off at 7.45pm at the Victoria Ground.
