Bromsgrove Sporting ensured they would remain third in the league table on Saturday afternoon, with a gritty 2-1 win at Stratford Town.
Mikey Taylor continued his spectacular scoring tally for the season with a 13th minute header, before Christopher Wreh levelled the scoring with a right footed effort five minutes later.
On what was a tough pitch, Stratford defended resolutely, with plenty of bodies behind the ball, but Sporting's perseverance was duly rewarded in the 67th minute, as a Jak Hickman corner was headed in at the far post by Leon Broadhurst, as Sporting extended their unbeaten run to four games.
The first chance of note in the game was Taylor's opener; a short spell of Sporting pressure resulted in Richard Gregory putting in a pinpoint cross inside the area, which was wilfully headed home past a diving Sam Lomax in the Stratford goal.
However, the home side equalised soon after, as Wreh showed brute force to power his way through the defence, which allowed him to curl a effort towards goal that met the palm of Daniel Platt but just squeezed in.
The Rouslers almost regained the advantage in the 24th minute, as a rasping half volley from Gregory via a Hickman corner was booted clear off the line, preventing a certain goal in the process.
Six minutes into the second half, Wreh had a golden opportunity to double his, and Stratford's, tally for the afternoon, as he managed to slip the back line once again but had a one-on-one effort saved smartly by the feet of Platt.
Following this chance, Sporting enjoyed a lengthy spell of intense pressure and chances; with Will Shorrock and substitute Shaquille McDonald both having efforts on goal blocked away.
One of these McDonald efforts was diverted for a corner, which is the point when Stratford's resilience would eventually cave in - Hickman whipped in a delicious ball that Broadhurst got onto and met it with a powerful header, creating sheer pandemonium between both fans and players.
Stratford created very little thereafter, until the very last minute of the game, where they had a free kick from virtually the edge of the 18 yard box. Wreh stepped up to take it but his effort was rushed in truth, causing him to drag the shot comfortably wide from an outstanding position.
The final whistle blew just seconds later, which was greeted by noisy and passionate celebrations from the squad and the incredible travelling support. |