A SUPERB solo effort from Jack Wilson guided Bromsgrove Sporting to a 3-1 pre-season friendly victory over near-neighbours Droitwich Spa at the King George Playing Fields.
Sporting had taken the lead in the 66th minute through Chris Lloyd before Wilson got the goal of the game as he danced past several Spa defenders and completed his solo run with a thunderous left-footed drive into the top corner of the net from 30 yards to make it 2-0.
Chris Conway added the third in the 76th minute with James Ward adding a consolation for the Saltmen with virtually the last kick of the game.
The start of the game saw both sides hold a minute silence for Sporting chairman Jon Prescott, who died suddenly on Tuesday morning, and the victims of the Nice tragedy in France.
Following the minute's silence, Sporting and Spa got off to a good start with both sides having their fair share of attacks but resolute defending kept the score at 0-0.
Sporting's Sean Brain had the first clear-cut opportunity of the half in the ninth minute but after being played in by Lloyd, he could only drill his effort into the arms of Spa keeper Matthew Oliver.
Tony Clarke had a great chance to put Sporting 1-0 up in the 25th minute but a fantastic low save by Oliver ensured the scores remained tied.
A cagey first half yielded chances few and far between and it took until the 42nd minute for Spa to have their first shot on goal but Nick Seabourne's low drive from the edge of the area was saved down low by Chris Jay.
With the first 45 minutes over, Sporting shuffled their ranks and the start of the second half was very much like the first with both sides cancelling each other out.
Spa's top goalscorer last season James Lemon had a fantastic opportunity to put Spa ahead in the 53rd minute but after jostling away Lucky Nwosu, Jay was quick off his line to smother the ball and clear the danger.
Another chance for Spa went a begging as Lemon once again found himself clean through down the left wing but his tame shot in the area was easily claimed by Jay.
The missed chances proved cost for the Saltmen as four minutes later the Rouslers took the lead when from a corner, Oliver punched the ball to the edge of the area where Lloyd lay in waiting to smash the ball home.
Five minutes later it was 2-0 as Wilson danced past five Spa defenders before unleashing a rasping drive from distance which flew over Oliver and into the top corner.
Sporting added their third in the 76th minute when Conway bundled the ball over the line after jumping for an aerial ball with Oliver, much to the surprise of everyone who thought the referee may have blown for a foul but the goal was given.
Oliver made three fantastic saves in the closest stages of the contest to deny Danny Ludlow, Robbie Bunn and Conway from adding to the scoreline.
Spa eventually got on the scoresheet in the 91st minute as Hadyn Morris latched on to Lemon's through ball before cutting back to Ward who smashed home.
Report courtesy of Craig Gibbons - Bromsgrove Standard
Team 1st. Half :- Chris Jay, Ryan Spink, Joe Haines, Keenen Meakin-Richards, Luke Edwards, Jake Willcox, Dayle Kenny, Chris Lloyd, Tony Clarke, Sam Wills, Sean Brain.
Team 2nd. Half :- Chris Jay, Ryan Spink, Jack Wilson, Robbie Bunn, Luke Edwards (Brendan Kelly 60 mins), Lucky Nwosu, Will Tibbetts, Chris Lloyd, Tony Clarke (Chris Conway 60 mins), Sam Wills (A.Trialist 60 mins), Danny Ludlow.
Report from Phil Baker:
There was not a lot to report in the first half of this match as Sporting pushed forward but were frustrated by a well-organised Spa defence who not only kept the ball out of their net but stopped Sporting from any serious shots. Indeed it was the home side who had the best chance 3 minutes before the interval when Chris Jay had to make a low save from Nick Seabourne.
For the second half there was an almost complete change of players and that appeared to give the Rouslers a lot more width and pace and allowed them to stretch their opponents more than in the first period. The first goal duly arrived on the 66th minute following a Will Tibbetts corner that Droitwich only cleared to the edge of the box. Chris Lloyd picked up the ball unmarked and had plenty of time to pick his spot in the top left-hand corner.
Number two arrived five minutes later and had the game not been a friendly, it would have been a contender for goal of the season. Left back Jack Wilson was not far over the half-way line and under little pressure so when he saw the Spa 'keeper off his line he let go with a screamer that went over the unfortunate stopper's head and into the top left corner from 30 yards out.
Sporting's third came on the 75th minute following a high ball into the goal area. Under pressure from Chrisi Conway Spa 'keeper Matt Oliver flapped at the ball knocking it on to the ground where is dribbled over the line. Conway reckons he got the last touch so we will spare the 'keeper's blushes and credit the striker with the goal.
In the last few minutes energy levels on the Spa side looked to drop in the humid conditions and they can thank Oliver that no more attempts were converted. They did though get a deserved goal in the last minute when James Ward hit home with the Sporting defence nowhere to be seen.
Sporting first half: Chris Jay, Ryan Spink, Joe Haines, Keenan Meakin-Richards, Luke Edwards, Jake Willcox, Dayle Kenny, Chris Lloyd, Tony Clarke, Sam Wills, Sean Brain.
Sporting second half: Chris Jay, Ryan Spink, Jack Wilson, Robbie Bunn. Brendan Kelly, Lucky Nwosu, Danny Ludlow, Chris Lloyd, Chrisi Conway, Trialist, Will Tibbetts.
Goals: Chris Lloyd (66 mins), Jack Wilson (71 mins), Chrisi Conway (75 mins).
Weather: Warm, windy
Crowd: ~ 180
Reporter: Phil Baker |