TIM Flowers felt ‘relieved’ to claim a first win since returning as Bromsgrove Sporting boss against Barwell.
A late goal from Billy Shaw at the Victoria Ground ensured the Rouslers ended their eight-game winless run in the league.
The victory also marked a first league win for Flowers since he replaced Scott Adey-Linforth as Bromsgrove boss in early December.
And Flowers hopes the club’s first league win since November will help his side relax on the pitch.
Flowers said: “It’s a big relief to get a win for me personally and for the club.
“We’re still very much in a dog fight but it’s a big step forward.
“It’s got the monkey off our back a little bit maybe the lads can relax a bit and start to play how we train.
“The challenge going forward is, first of all let’s try and stay at Step Three this season.
“But next year, with what’s happening behind the scenes, can we build a squad that can not be in this position like we are every year.”
The Rouslers eventually broke the deadlock six minutes from time as Shaw finished Theo Robinson’s pass from six-yards out.
And Flowers singled out match-winner Shaw for praise after the midfielder’s tireless endeavour inspired Sporting to victory.
Flowers added: “His determination, his work ethic and his will to get back and do the hard yards.
“He’s just a blinding lad and he chips in with important goals.
“When you’re a club at our level, you need good people and he’s a proper lad.
“He ran 12.5km at Bedford and he’ll have done at least that again [against Barwell],
“So the best part of a marathon in five days. It’s a big effort.”
Bromsgrove are next in action against Stamford on Saturday, January 31 with kick-off at 3pm at the Zeeco Stadium.
