Not the ideal start for Sporting for their first outing in the Midland Combination Premier Division but they can console themselves that they played well. Indeed manager Keith Draper thought they did enough to take all three points particularly on the second half performance but alas it is balls in the net that count.
With several members of the squad unavailable, the joint manager had few options especially in defence where Jamie McWilliams made his debut in the centre with Joe Brookes. Aaron Roberts switched to right back whilst Danny Deehan started his first senior game for Sporting on the left of defence. There were two more debutants in midfielder James Blake and striker Chris Morrison signed from Conference South club Staines Town and partnered by Stuart Hall recently re-signed from Feckenham.
Both teams started quite cautiously patiently building up attacks but creating little to cause the goalkeepers any problems. During this spell Sporting had the better chances with Keith Draper having a shot blocked on the line whilst Morrison fired over from close range.
As the match progressed, so Atherstone began to eased themselves more into the game and on 28 minutes imposing striker Joe Boggild forced Sporting 'keeper Chris Mole into a fine reflex save when he headed from 12 yards out.
It was Boggild who make the decisive strike five minutes before half-time when he hooked in substitute Liam Potter's cross from 15 yards out giving Mole no chance.
After the interval Sporting came out their blocks quicker playing with greater purpose and moving the ball round quickly but their finishing left a lot to be desired with Turk and Deehan firing over the bar whilst Jon Rogers playing as a right-winger hit one shot wide whilst another required a low save from home 'keeper Sam Slater.
Atherstone seemed to be content to defend their narrow one goal advantage preferring to keep players in defence rather than seek to reinforce their lead. However that policy nearly rebounded on them when Salter tipped over Danny Deehan 30 yard drive just after the 90 minutes were up only for the lively left back to hit the bar with a free kick in the last few seconds of the match.
So disappointment for the few but loyal Sporting fans who made the trip up to North Warwickshire but the consensus after the match was if they keeping up the form shown today then wins and points will follow.
Atherstone (red/white striped shirts, black shorts, red socks, 4-4-2):
Sam Slater; Jordan Stain, Paul Reddish, Kieron Graham (Capt.), Dean Johnson; Mark Culver, Lee Chapman (Steve Olanipekun 61 mins), Liam Bailey (Liam Potter 29 mins), Darren Eggleton; David Yonwin (Dale Farley 84 mins), Joe Boggild.
Subs not used: Craig Ridsdill, Carl Hind.
Sporting (Yellow shirts, white shorts, white socks, 4-4-2):
Chris Mole; Aaron Roberts, Jamie McWilliams, Joe Brookes, Danny Deehan; Keith Draper Jnr. (Dan Wilkes 81 mins), James Turk, James Blake, Jon Rogers; Chris Morrison, Stuart Hall (Alex Kelly 81 mins).
Subs not used: Peter Jenvey, Leon Mooney, Elliot Brown |