Another record crowd saw Bromsgrove Sporting enter this year as they left the previous one, with a comprehensive 3-0 victory versus Pilkington XXX in the Midland Combination Division One.
Any New Year nerves were settled early on as Kyle Turner slotted home the simplest of tap-ins after two minutes.
A sublime effort from Reece Hewitt doubled Sporting's lead inside the hour mark before Will Tibbetts made it 3 with a header in the shadows of the post 10 minutes later.
From the offset, Sporting looked lively and Sean Brain's pace on the wing enabled him to get an accurate pass into Turner, who only had to guide the ball past a helpless Reece Francis from close range.
A hectic minute just before half an hour had passed could have seen the home side increase their advantage. Luke Dugmore saw his long-range strike smash the post and when the ball eventually returned to him inside the box, ex-Sporting stopper Reece Francis saved his shot.
The drama was not to end there though, with Will Tibbetts' effort saved as Pilkington continued to flail in attempting to clear their lines.
The visitors had a chance to level proceedings shortly before the break but Brett Fellows was to squander his gilt edged opportunity inside the area.
Hewitt's dexterity and graft was rewarded with his goal; it followed some smart interplay with fellow threat Sean Brain that lead to a beautifully curled shot into the bottom corner.
The 3 points were sealed when Hewitt's inviting cross found the head of Tibbetts, who gratefully headed home from point blank range, making it two goals in as many games since his return to the club.
Pilkington were not without their chances however, with Daniel Daise and Craig Oldfield both having efforts expertly saved by confident keeper Chris Jay after 70 minutes
Both teams had attempts at adding to the scoreboard inside the last 10, as Sam Wills had a rip-roaring strike fly just over the bar for Bromsgrove and the lively Dale Kenny saw another effort saved by Jay.
An impressive performance from Sporting in atritional conditions and one that left the vast majority of the 674 crowd going home delighted and looking forward to what could be a big year for the club. |