Another week and another match settled deep into added time with the Rouslers again securing points with four minutes extra on the clock.
Back in November Sporting put seven past Greenhill in the inaugural game at the Victoria Ground. At the time they appeared to be a better team than the scoreline suggested and that proved to be the case today.
The first half was uneventful and even with neither side getting their noses in front and only a couple of chances each as the defences dictated play.
After the interval Sporting brought on Jamie Siviter for the injured Chris Bright and having the extra man up front allowed them to dominate for long periods but failing to hit the back of the net. Best chances went to Odane Barnes who missed a toe-in on 63 minutes and Jamie Siviter who headed narrowly over the bar five minutes later.
The inevitable then happened on 71 minutes when Greenhill gained a throw-in near the Sporting by-line. This was taken by Tom Millington who had already caused a few problems with his Rory Delap style long throws. This one was even better landing by the near post and giving Mark Lanni a straightforward tap in from a few yards out.
If Sporting needed an incentive to push forward with an increased urgency, then that had now been provided. Home 'keeper Mike Connolly was forced in to several good saves notably from Jamie McKeon on 82 minutes and Jamie Siviter, a couple of minutes later, whilst the Greenhill defence had the bar to thank for stopping McKeon's well struck shot on 85 minutes. But relentless Sporting pressure finally paid off with just three minutes left on the clock when Siviter's shot was cleared off the line, only for the burley striker to hit home the re-bound.
Not content with a draw, Sporting continued the assault on the Greenhill goal after the ninety minutes were up with another desperate clearance off the line and Siviter hitting a rasping shot over the bar, but the impressive and hard-working Odane Barnes had the last word slotting the winner through a hole in the home defence from eight yards out.
So a hard-won but deserved victory for Sporting who stay top by goal difference after Feckenham picked up six points during the week. Next match is at home against bottom club Knowle Reserves but after today's workout nothing will be taken for granted.
Greenhill (blue shirts, blue shorts, blue socks) - Mike Connolly, Gareth Williams (Capt.), Darren Wothers, Nick Tudor, Matt Waterhouse, Tom Millington, Lee Baker, Luke Kettle, Andy Millington (Craig Smith 83 mins), Mark Lanni.
Subs not used: John Boden, Grant Griffiths, Neil Coles, Chris Rhodes.
Sporting (green shirts, white shorts, green socks): Jon Hirst, Chris Bright, Jamie Siviter (46 mins), Gareth Rogers, Nick Allen, Neil Cooksey (Capt.), Joe Brookes, Dan Wilkes, Nick Harris, Odane Barnes, Shaun May, Zac Blood (Jamie McKeon 24 mins).
Subs not used: Shaun Maynard, Richard Griffiths, Stewart Brighton. |