A second half strike from Jack Wilson helped Bromsgrove Sporting to a workmanlike 1-0 victory over Lichfield City in the Midland Football League Division One on Saturday afternoon.
The game looked as though it was destined for a stalemate going into the half time break but the tempo picked up in the final forty-five minutes, with both teams having chances on goal.
The home side dominated what little chances there were in the first half. Front man Josh McKenzie and defender Craig Jones had headers that did not do much to test goalkeeper Ryan Moore whilst winger Will Tibbetts hit a long-range effort over the bar.
Sporting continued to dictate proceedings for the opening twenty minutes of the second half. Sean Brain and McKenzie had chances on goal but Sam Wills looked most likely to break the deadlock in this period. His twenty-yard shot only just sailed over the upright.
Lichfield had their first opportunities of the game straight after Sporting's initial spell of pressure. Mark Rose, Adam Wood and Dan Worrall all had headed efforts but none were on target.
They were made to rue these missed chances instantly as Wilson's fired his left-footed shot into the bottom corner on the 71st minute. Substitute Wills was instrumental in the build up, playing a clever ball through to the eventual goal scorer.
The action was far from over though. Chris Duggan's firm effort struck the crossbar for Sporting whilst Rose had another chance for Lichfield. His shot from a tight angle was pushed wide by 'keeper Jake Bedford.
Sporting managed to hang on in the dying moments but not without cause for alarm. The lively Andre Francis curled a last minute effort, which looked destined for the top corner. However, it was not to be for the away side, as the ball shook the crossbar and went out of play.
That was to be the last play of the game. Bromsgrove manage to hang on for the win, despite looking like having to share the spoils at certain times throughout.
Sporting: Jake Bedford, Chris Duggan, Sam Delaney, Simon Fitter (Capt.), Craig Jones, Aaron Williams, Will Tibbetts (Joe Adams 46 mins), Lewis Clarke (Sam Wills 46 mins), Sean Brain, Josh McKenzie, Jack Wilson.
Subs not used: Danny Ludlow, Jozsef Jakab, Scott Smith.
Goal: Jack Wilson (71 mins)
Yellow: Sam Wills (88 mins)
Lichfield: Ryan Moore, Andre Francis, Joe Haines, Dan Worrall, Dan McLeod, Dan Haynes (Capt, Adam Wood 26 mins), Louis Downes (Luke Himson 55 mins), Chris Bull, Tom Evans, Mark Rose, Joe Parkes.
Subs not used: Jordan Hunt, Ashley Page, Ashley Bennett.
Yellows: Chris Bull (10 mins), Adam Wood (36 mins), Dan Worrall (45+1 mins)
Referee: Mr M Gupta (Leicester)
Assistants: Mr C Thompson (Lickey), Mr A Dennis (Romsley)
Crowd: 375
Weather: Warm, gusty
Sporting Man of the Match: Jack Wilson
Reporter: Max Banner |