With the Victoria Ground re-opening for business in two weeks time, Sporting played their last match at Studley's Beehive Ground, maintaining their 100% league record at home against a useful Blackwood side.
The visitors played a similar game plan to Sporting passing the ball around and patiently building up attacks whilst a disciplined back four closed down the forwards.
Ironically, the only goal of the game came on 14 minutes when home 'keeper Chris Mole launched a huge kick up field over the Blackwood defence, this was picked up by Sporting striker, Michael Woolman who controlled the ball well, before calmly chipping his shot to the left of visiting 'keeper Ben Tilsley.
Although Blackwood had a couple of reasonable chances when Chris Milliard and Ross Palmer went close, Sporting should have put the match well beyond their opponents by half-time. Dan Wilkes was unlucky not to connect with Nick Harris' excellent cross and Michael Woolman hit his shot straight at the 'keeper from Wilkes' pass after the midfielder had beaten three defenders on a good run down the left.
After the interval, Sporting continued to edge the game and could have doubled their advantage on 55 minutes when new striker Jamie Siviter had a shot blocked on the line, that some home fans thought had gone over. Most of the play though took place in the middle of the park and apart from captain Richard Griffiths heading a free kick narrowly over the bar and the lively Jacob Snape forcing Chris Mole into a good save, both defences remained solid and the two keepers did not have that much to do.
With a slender lead, there was much relief in the Sporting camp when Mr Pedley finally blew for full time. Blackwood were clearly deflated at losing their unbeaten league record but Sporting deserved their win.
All they now need to do now, is translate their home form to away matches and start to pick up points on the road starting at Chelmsley Town next Saturday.
Sporting (red & white shirts, blue shorts, blue socks, 4-4-2) - Chris Mole; Chris Bright, Danny Patrick, Richard Griffiths (Capt), Gareth Rogers; Jamie Rogers (James McKeon 85 mins), Dan Wilkes (Zac Blood 75 mins), Aaron Roberts, Nick Harris; Jamie Siviter (Ricky Hammond 59 mins), Michael Woolman.
Substitutes not used: Nick Allen, Neil Cooksey.
Blackwood (Blue/Black shirts, Black shorts and socks, 4-4-2) - Ben Tilsley; Simon Hudson, Chris Fitzgerald, Warren Grant, Marc Lane (Alyn Rose 62 mins); Lee Thorp, Steve Bell, Chris Hill, Ross Palmer (Adam Tilsley 62 mins); Jacob Snape (Ashley Griffiths 84 mins), Chris Milliard (Capt.).
Substitutes not used: Matt Griffiths, Adam Richardson |