Midland League Division One - Saturday 13th September 2014, 3:00 p.m. kick-off
Bromsgrove Sporting 2 (1) Uttoxter Town 3 (2)
Sporting, who played well enough in the second half against Uttoxeter to deserve a point, ultimately paid the price for conceding two early first-half goals.
With the match only six minutes old, and Sporting still waking up, an unmarked Matt Redshaw ran through the defence and lofted the ball over debutant goalkeeper George Harris for Uttoxeter's first.
The away team continued to dominate and kept Sporting pinned back in their own half. When the second goal came it was no great surprise and again it was Matt Redshaw who fired home on the 17th minute after Sporting failed to clear Ollie Mellor's cross.
Chris Duggan replaced the injured Toby Checketts on the 31st minute and the familiarity of the back four looked to give the Rouslers some stability at the back allowing the midfield push forward a bit more.
The game now developed into much more of an end-to-end contest with both sides having chances. Gary Hay and Sam Wills worked well together up front for Bromsgrove particularly now the supply lines from midfield had opened up.
Sporting's perseverance eventually paid off just one minute before half-time when the impressive Reece Hewitt managed to get behind the Uttoxeter back four and hit a low shot that Alex Langridge managed to get a hand to but all he could do was help it into his own net.
After the break both sides continued to play entertaining football with plenty of skill on show and a lot of neat and fast passing. However Sporting's equaliser came from a set piece rather than open play. Simon Fitter chipped over a well-aimed corner on 75 minutes that Craig Jones accurately headed home from a few yards out.
This was a good spell for Sporting who spent much of the half camped in the Uttoxeter end of the pitch but despite a number of good efforts particularly from substitute Chrisi Conway, they were unable to find the back of the net.
Inevitably the pushing forward left the home side vulnerable at the back and the visitors took advantage in the first minute of added time when Redshaw this time became provider of a good cross that James Curley headed home.
Sporting will play as well as this another week and win quite comfortably. They were unlucky not to score when they were dominating but Uttoxeter were a good side, took the chances given to them and deserved the three points.
The win moves Uttoxeter up to second in the Midland Football League Division One on 20 points with 10 games played and leaves Sporting in ninth on 12 with only seven games played.
Sporting (Red/white shirts, blue shorts, blue socks): George Harris, Danny Ludlow, Craig Jones, Simon Fitter, Scott Smith (Capt.), Toby Checketts (Chris Duggan 31 mins), Will Tibbetts, Reece Hewitt, Gary Hay, Sam Wills (Chrisi Conway 69 mins), Ryan Mahon.
Subs not used: Robbie Agar, Chris Sockett, Jozsef Jakab.
Scorers: Reece Hewitt (44 mins), Craig Jones (75 mins)
Cards: None
Uttoxter (Yellow shirts, white shorts, white socks): Alex Langridge, Harry Price, Jon Littler (Jack Holley 82 mins), Liam Sowter (Ollie Ritchie 82 mins), Doug Price, Mark Springall, Martin Gadsby (Capt.), Kyle Esplin, James Curley, Matt Redshaw, Ollie Mellor (George Marshman 82 mins).
Sub not used: Adam Hilton.
Scorers: Matt Redshaw (6, 17 mins), James Curley (90+1 mins)
Cards: None
Referee: Mr G Hubbard (Halesowen)
Assistants: Mr M Homer (Rednal), Mr S Robertson (Bromsgrove)
Crowd: 243
Weather: Warm, overcast
Sporting Man of the Match: Craig Jones
Match Report: Phil Baker |