For the second match over the holiday period, Sporting broke their crowd record with 533 spectators turning out for what was a gripping and entertaining game.
Martin Sockett and Nick Smith took over team affairs with manager Paul Smith away on holiday and they had to make a few adjustments owing to absences. Danny Morris and Craig Jones in defence were also away so in stepped Jack Wilson and Orrin Pendley - making his first start - at the back whilst Lewis Clarke returned from injury to play in mid-field.
Three former Rouslers were in the Pilkington line-up that included Reece Francis in goal along with Odane Barnes linking up with Jacob Snape up front and it was the dread-locked striker who provided the initial drama when he tapped in from a Barnes flick-on with just three minutes on the clock.
Shortly after the goal and with the home defence taking time to settle, Snape was still causing problems but in a rather charged atmosphere he received a yellow card after an altercation with Simon Fitter.
A couple of minutes after that incident, Sporting's Chris Duggan made a heavy challenge on Craig Oldfield. There appeared to be minimal contact and no indication from the linesman but referee Mr Robinson showed a straight red. Perhaps at that point things needed calming down so Duggan can probably consider himself a little unlucky.
With a man down Sporting opted to play three at the back and go for the equaliser. Reece Hewitt put a good effort over the bar whilst Francis just got a hand to Sean Brain's shot moments later.
Sporting's pressure finally paid off on the 38th minute when Simon Fitter floated over a long range pass to Brain who stepped round two defenders before stroking underneath a diving Francis.
Two minutes after the interval though the visitors were back in front and it was Snape again who caught the home defence napping as he hit home Oldfield's free kick from short range.
For the next few minutes the crowd were entertained with plenty of end-to-end action that included a 40-yard shot from Fitter and a screamer from Will Tibbetts that grazed the bar.
However it was Pilks who again got on to the scoresheet and a deserved goal for Barnes who found himself with plenty of space to line up a shot just inside the box that went well wide of Jake Bedford and into the net.
The two-goal lead only lasted a couple of minutes as the impressive Reece Hewitt reduced the deficit with a fine shot though a crowded penalty area. Sporting's equaliser was delivered just a minute later by Chrisi Conway who had come on a substitute for the unwell Sam Wills in the first half. Conway took two steps into the box before unleashing a powerful daisy-cutter that gave Francis no chance and the Irishman his 50th in a Sporting strip.
With both teams looking determined to get the three points the pace of the match never slackened but with Pilkington tiring Sporting took advantage and the lead on 72 minutes. Will Tibbetts put a superb cross into the box that Conway passed on to Brain who had plenty of time to fire past Francis's outstretched left arm. Brain then completed his hat-trick and got Sporting's 5th two minutes later when he side-footed home from 10 yards out. Conway again the provider after beating the offside trap.
The visitors though did not give up and substitute Tom Baker put a good effort over the bar on the 89th minute but it was too little too late as Mr Robinson blew for the end a few minutes later.
After getting a two-goal advantage and playing with an extra man, Pilkington really should have defended their lead but Sporting worked hard, showed a lot of spirit and in the end deserved their win. Coach Martin Sockett said after the game, "This one was a great match for the fans with goals galore and plenty of action. Pilkington were the better side in the first half but we dominated the second and played well. It was a good all-round team effort".
With second-placed Bolehall Swifts being held to a draw and all other New Year matches postponed Sporting move up to second place with a game in hand on Highgate United but still six points behind.
Sporting: Jake Bedford, Chris Duggan, Jack Wilson, Simon Fitter, Orrin Pendley, Ryan Mahon, Will Tibbetts, Reece Hewitt, Sean Brain (Tim Bradley 88 mins), Sam Wills (Chrisi Conway 40 mins), Lewis Clarke (Scott Smith 57 mins).
Unused substitutes: Danny Ludlow, Max Bevis
Scorers: Sean Brain (40, 72, 74 mins), Reece Hewitt (58 mins), Chris Conway (59 mins).
Red: Chris Duggan (7 mins)
Pilkington: Reece Francis, Jack Gauntlett, Phil Chesters, Kieran McCalla, Matthew Stirzaker (Anthony Fletcher 46 mins), Max Loveridge, Craig Oldfield (Thomas Baker 73 mins), James Giblin, Odane Barnes, Jacob Snape, Will Parker (Chad Barrett 66 mins).
Unused substitute: Jordan Durose
Scorers: Jacob Snape (4, 47 mins), Odane Barnes (56 mins).
Yellow: Jacob Snape (6 mins)
Referee: Mr D Robinson (Hall Green)
Assistants: Mr W Cemis (Stratford-upon-Avon), Mr A Scriven (Northfield)
Attendance: 533
Weather: Cool, drizzle.
Sporting Man of the Match: Sean Brain |