The Worcestershire Senior Invitation Urn - Semi-Final - Tuesday 6th February 2018, 7:45 p.m. kick-off
Stourport Swifts 2 (1) Bromsgrove Sporting 2 (0) at Walshes Meadow
Bromsgrove Sporting won 6 - 5 on penalties
On a cold and frosty evening at Walshes Meadow, Sporting needed penalties to get to the final of the Worcestershire Senior Urn but having dominated much of the second half against Stourport, they really should have won the match inside 90 minutes.
In contrast to last Saturday's game when Sporting made much us of the long ball up-field, this game was much more based on retaining possession and short, neat passing. However it was the home side who had the first decent chance on the 8th minute when Nick MacPherson's effort was blocked by Sporting 'keeper Reece Francis.
The Rouslers then had the majority of play but despite a few week efforts failed to get past a well-organised Swifts' back-line. Then somewhat against the run of play, Stourport took the lead on 29 minutes when MacPherson headed Dan Sweeney's corner goallwards when it was cleared but the linesman decided that it had gone over the line.
Having warmed up at half-time Sporting immediately pushed forward and got their rewards just two minutes after the re-start following a quick run down the right by John Pykett who pulled a sublimely accurate ball across from the by-line that found Sean Brain just a couple of yards out who had the easiest of tap-ins for the equaliser.
From then on Stourport had to soak up a lot of pressure as the away side pretty much kept them pinned back in their own half, though they did have their moments and might have had a penalty on the 67th minute when Aaron Roberts clattered MacPherson but referee Mr Tyler ruled there was no foul.
On the 85 minutes, it looked as if Drew Canavan had settled the match with a curving shot to the top left hand corner but Stourport 'keeper Dominic Richards produced a brilliant one-handed save to keep his side in the match. Then just two minutes later Stourport made a quick break up field; Ashley Parsons-Smith sent a long cross into the box where MacPherson got the better of Josh Quaynor and slid the ball into the net just wide of Francis.
Unfortunately the Stourport's lead did not last long and with just a minute left on the clock, Robbie Bunn attempted as shot through a crowded penalty area that went though Paul Hurrell's legs and just wide of Richards' outstretched glove to even the match up.
With no more attempts and a couple of minutes added time played, the game went to penalties with Jack Wilson hitting the winner for Sporting as Myles Newman's effort hit he underside of the bar and bounced out.
Sporting will now play Lye Town in the final at Kidderminster Harrier's ground, Aggborough on Thursday 24th April.
Stourport: Dominic Richards, Joe Hanson, Harry Higginson, Joe Colley (Matt Fulloway 77 mins), Paul Hurrell, Ben Priest, Matt Hanson (Ashley Parsons-Smith 65 mins), Myles Newman, Nick MacPherson, Alex Perry (Adam Beardsmore 80 mins), Dan Sweeney.
Subs not used: Jim Hanson, Callum Grant.
Goals: Nick MacPherson (29 mins, 87 mins)
Yellows: Dan Sweeney (22 mins), Joe Colley (54 mins), Myles Newman (73 mins)
Sporting: Reece Francis, Aaron Roberts, Josh Quaynor, Drew Canavan, Craig Jones (Capt.), John Pykett, Liam Holt (Nathan Binner 82 mins), Robbie Bunn, Sean Brain, Wade Malley, Jack Wilson.
Subs not used: Dan Preston, Danny Morris, William Perks, John Farnsworth.
Goals: Sean Brain (47 mins), Robbie Bunn (89 mins)
Yellows: Jack Wilson (18 mins), Liam Holt (45+1 mins)
Penalties
Stourport Sporting
0 - 1 Josh Quaynor
1 - 1 Nick MacPherson
1 - 2 Wade Malley
2 - 2 Dan Sweeney
2 - 3 Sean Brain
3 - 3 Harry Higginson
3 - 4 Nathan Binner
4 - 4 Joe Hanson
4 - 5 Drew Canavan
5 - 5 Paul Hurrell
5 - 6 Jack Wilson
5 - 6 Myles Newman hit the bar
Referee: Mr P Tyler
Assistants: Mr M Fletcher, Mr M Daniel
Sporting Man of the Match: Robbie Bunn
Reporter: Phil Baker |