Atherstone Town 1 Bromsgrove Sporting 0
With a spectacular electrical storm overhead, Adders kicked off the season facing a Bromsgrove side promoted last season from Division 1. Morrison, for the visitors, headed just over after 12 minutes but Atherstone were unlucky in the 16th minute when a smart turn and shot by Yonwin saw his effort strike the post low down. Boggild saw his close range effort well saved by Mole in the Bromsgrove goal in the 27th minute. However, the tall striker gave Adders the lead after 40 minutes. A right wing cross found Boggild near the penalty spot and he swivelled to hit a firm shot which Mole got his hands to but could not keep from crossing the line. The ever dangerous Morrison nearly scored an equaliser soon after but home 'keeper, Slater bravely dived at his feet. The same player missed a sitter just before the break, blazing over from close range.
Half Time: 1-0
Boggild headed wide soon after the break but the second period saw Bromsgrove in the ascendancy. Full back Deehan's 30 yd free kick scraped the bar after 55 minutes, Blake scuffed his shot when clear in the 6yd box five minutes later and Brookes saw his 78th minute free kick go straight to Slater. Adders best effort saw Eggleton fly down the left wing before crossing just behind Boggild. However, the striker managed to get in an overhead kick which flew inches wide. Adders defence which struggled through much of last season was magnificent as Bromsgrove threw everything at them in the final minutes. Deehan's cross was tipped over by Slater in the 89th minute. Then the on-loan Nuneaton 'keeper produced two fine re-action saves in injury time before Rogers hit the home cross bar with a free kick right at the end.
For once it was the Adders day, let's hope it is many times more throughout the rest of the season.
Full Time: 1-0
Atherstone Team: Slater, Stain, Johnson, Reddish, Graham (capt), Bailey (Potter), Culver, Chapman (Olanipekun), Yonwin (Farley), Boggild, Eggleton
Adders Rating (out of five) ***
MOM: Sam Slater
Attendance: 186 |