With only three players starting from the line-up that defeated Droitwich back in August, Bromsgrove Sporting's makeshift team were relieved to return to winning ways with a late, late show at Droitwich Leisure Centre on Saturday.
On a cold, breezy day both sides tried to play some good football and the game started brightly with Sporting defending well and restricting Spa to a couple of long range efforts off target. Sporting were able to create space down the left wing as Dan Wilkes outpaced the defence only to shoot wide of the target.
As the half progressed Sporting started to dominate territory and Spa were fortunate when after a series of corners, Barnes headed wide with a sharp chance. On 25 minutes, Sporting won a free-kick which Banner struck just wide with 'keeper, West struggling to get across his line.
Droitwich defended bravely and blocked a number of shots in the area until on 35 minutes another Banner corner was headed goalward by Barnes only to come back off the Spa crossbar. Try as they might, Sporting were unable to break the deadlock and half-time was reached with the game scoreless.
In the second period Spa were the brighter side and with Stuart James holding up possession up front were able to make more of a threat on the Sporting defence without threatening Biddle's goal too severely. The Sporting keeper did well to come off his line quickly a couple of times to clear through balls before forwards could connect with them.
The play became stretched as Sporting coach Stewart Brighton brought on Alex Kelly to join Barnes up front at the expense of Peter Jenvey, who did well to play almost an hour having been injured in Tuesday's cup game.
Both sides put chances wide and Biddle made a great save with only 5 minutes left. From the corner Sporting cleared and the game appeared destined for a goalless draw until a moment of genius from midfield played a ball inside the full-back for Dan Wilkes to run through. As Wilkes raced towards goalkeeper, West, tried to cut the ball out but Wilkes reached it first and pushed it past him. The unfortunate keeper then brought down the Sporting winger and the referee pointed for a penalty. After a short delay whilst the actual penalty spot was located under the mud Kevin Banner stepped up to give Sporting all three points.
Sporting: Grant Biddle, Alistair Crawford, Nick Harris, Neil Cooksey, Richard Griffiths (capt), Martin Keight (Lee Crook 83 mins), Peter Jenvey (Alex Kelly 58 mins), George Curry, Odane Barnes, Kevin Banner, Dan Wilkes.
Substitutes not used: Nick Allen, Stewart Brighton, Mark Whitehouse.
Droitwich: Nick West, Darren Charles, Henry Davis, Chris Thurbon, Michael Seeley, Tom Blunt, Brett Mould, Liam Jauncey (Sean Mason 72 mins), Stuart James, Peter Cartwright, Luke Rainbow (Nathan Davies 53 mins)
Substitutes not used: Andy Keenahan, Jay Maycroft |