After the disappointing defeat in the league last Saturday, Sporting bounced back in the best possible fashion registering a comfortable win in their first cup match of the season.
Visitors Littleton defeated the Bromsgrove side on penalties in the last match of the previous campaign, so for the home side there was a score to settle as well as improving on their previous performance.
Both sides started at a brisk pace with a determination to make an early impact and it was the home side that nearly stole the lead on the seventh minute. Chris Bright swung over a useful corner that Aaron Roberts nodded against the upright, Littleton cleared but only to James Turk who hit a fierce low drive that only narrowly went wide of the left-hand post.
Not to be outdone the visitors also came close 10 minutes later when keeper Haywood saw striker Manochehri unmarked up field. Booting the ball over the Sporting defence the diminutive striker found himself in useful position but hit the side netting with a poor shot.
Sporting took the lead on 21 minutes when the lively and hard-working Jon Rogers got his head to a cross but with only enough pace to trickle against the post. Chris Conway was however on hand to see the ball over the goal line.
Hardly surprising Littleton came out after the interval gritting their teeth and kept Sporting pretty much pinned back in their own half and got their chance with 51 minutes on the clock when Keith Draper was harshly judged to have handled the ball in the box. Ollie Manochehri took the spot kick but Savage between the sticks for Sporting guessed right and kept the ball out with a one handed save diving to his right.
That incident put a spring into Sporting's steps and gradually they eased themselves back in to the game. With Littleton pushing forward for the equaliser on 70 minutes, Nick Harris won the ball with a well-timed tackle in midfield passing to Jon Rogers who sprinted up field. He rounded one defender then the keeper but only managed a weak shot. However Chris Conway came steaming in and bundled the ball over the line for Sporting's second.
Maintaining possession and nothing risky were then the order of the day for the Rouslers and despite Littleton moving the ball around well and playing some skilful football, they never really threatened the Bromsgrove goal.
Assistant Manager Ron Mellor was delighted with the performance and praised the players who had shown a considerable amount of commitment and determination during the evening.
On Saturday Sporting return to league action with a match against Racing Club Warwick. Kick-off 3:00 p.m.
Sporting: Tom Savage; Aaron Roberts, Danny Deehan (Joe Lawley 80 mins), Matt Ross, Mike Thurbon (capt), Nick Harris, Chris Bright, James Turk (Nick Martin 90+1 mins), Chrisi Conway, Jon Rogers, Keith Draper Jnr (Jamie Parker 56 mins).
Subs not used: Reece Francis, James Blake.
Littleton: Dan Haywood, Kevin Ingram, Ben James, Kieran Cross, Callum Clarke, Joe Walsh, Alex Baird, Tim Beattie, James Clarke, Oliver Manochehri, Dan Trotman.
Subs not used: Steve Edgehill, Luke Richardson, Ben Johns, Sean Brain, James Bishop. |