Bromsgrove Sporting ensured they would win the Midland Football League Division One unbeaten all season on Saturday afternoon, as they pummelled Lichfield City 5-0 at another packed Victoria Ground.
A crowd of 1151 saw a typically confident Sporting start capped off with a 43rd minute opener from Chris Lloyd before the floodgates opened in the second half.
A superb header from star striker Jason Cowley doubled the advantage before a fine Liam Spink strike put the game beyond any doubt.
A brace inside the final ten minutes from substitute Andy Nicol put the icing on the cake to what has been an incredible season for Paul Smith’s side.
The afternoon almost got off to the best possible start for Bromsgrove, as John Pykett capitalised on a defensive mishap from ex-Rousler Joe Haines and lobbed his shot just over the bar just two minutes in.
Soon after, defender Aaron Roberts narrowly missed the target with his header off Lloyd’s cross.
Lichfield almost grabbed the lead on the 7th minute, but Pavel Smiglieski could only put his half volley over the bar following a decent run into the box.
The next 30 minutes or so saw Sporting dominate without having many meaningful chances, that was until the opener, which came courtesy of an accurate pass from the lively Pykett after picking the pocket of Haines, allowing Lloyd to firmly strike a low effort into the bottom corner from just inside the area.
The second came a minute into the second half, as a pinpoint Roberts cross floated perfectly in the air for Cowley to powerfully head into the goal.
Lichfield did have their fair share of chances but keeper Neil Leech was equal to them all, with an important save coming on the 50th minute from a low drive by Jordan Hunt.
Sporting continued to dominate the play however, with Cowley, Spink and Robbie Bunn all just missing with respective efforts before Leech came to rescue again, keeping out a low shot from Oliver Haywood.
The third came on the 68th minute, as Spink found himself in acres of space and struck home into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper James Lawson with little chance.
Inside the final ten minutes, Cowley had a couple of chances blocked in quick succession but it was to be substitute Nicol that dealt the final hammer blow.
An emphatic strike into the top corner from range after a burst of speed to get himself through was followed by a slightly less glamourous goal, which came via a Roberts cross that was fumbled by keeper Lawson, leaving Nicol with a tap in that crept over the line to seal a quickfire double.
Cowley almost made it six in injury time but his venomous effort was well saved by Lawson, a decent footnote for a goalkeeper who had a torrid afternoon between the sticks.
The final whistle blew to rapturous celebrations from the Sporting fans, leading up to the team celebrating the title with joyous scenes on the pitch. |