Table toppers Bolehall Swift extend their good start to the season with a 2-0 win at the Victoria Ground against a Bromsgrove Sporting side coming off the back of an 8-0 win after their FA Vase triumph last Saturday.
Bolehall created the first chance of the game, inside the opening ten minutes when Chris Sturridge-Parker attempted to chip, Sporting keeper Jake Bedford from just outside the box, though his effort was high of the target.
Sturridge-Parker had an opportunity to better his previous long range effort in the 19th minute. Bedford rushed out of his box to clear a long ball from Bolehall, his headed clearance fell straight to the feet of Sturridge-Parker who struck the ball into an empty net from around the 25 yard mark from goal, giving Bolehall an early lead.
Possession was equal in the first half and despite some good attacking play from Sporting they didn't create any threatening attempts during the first half. After the visitors got their goal inside the first twenty minutes, they also didn't push for a second before the half time break.
Bromsgrove Sporting emerged a better side after half time, a team that looked like they could get that equaliser. Winger Will Tibbetts latched on to a fantastic low cross, whipped in from the near touchline, but his touch took the ball over the crossbar.
Ricardo Richards, who like Will Tibbetts got a hat-trick last weekend for Bromsgrove, had a great chance to get an equaliser for the Rouslers, eight minutes from the re-start. A high diagonal ball out from the wing found Richards who brought the ball down inside the box, though effort should have been better with his shot both high and wide of the goal.
Despite Bolehall looking the weaker side in the second half they was able to capitalize on the two missed chances from Sporting, and extend their lead. Bromsgrove's defence switched off for a brief moment allowing a through ball to put Bolehall's Dave Yonwin clean through on goal, he then calmly slide the ball under Bedford to give the away side a 2-0 lead.
Sporting didn't let their heads drop and still produced some good attacking play in the final stages of the match. Ricardo Richards was unlucky to have not been awarded a penalty when he was pushed over in the box, but referee Matthew Perry waved play on.
Bromsgrove's finishing was far from what we saw last week against Stafford, the aerial threat they have wasn't utilised at all in this game.
Sporting substitute, Snape had the final effort of the game, he wriggled through a few tackles and found room to shoot at goal, but his shot was hit straight at Bolehall keeper, McNulty.
The game finished 0-2 to Bolehall with the match being fairly even, neither side created many chances and possession was split equally. Bolehall made the most of the few chances they had and had Sporting done the same then both sides could have easily left with a point each. This result ends a four game unbeaten run in the league for Sporting, but if they want to challenge for promotion this season then they need to get back to winning ways next Saturday when the play Pelsall Villa away. |