Not the ideal start for Sporting for their first outing in the Midland Combination Premier Division but they can console themselves that they played well. Indeed manager Keith Draper thought they did enough to take all three points particularly on the second half performance but alas it is balls in the net that count.

With several members of the squad unavailable, the joint manager had few options especially in defence where Jamie McWilliams made his debut in the centre with Joe Brookes. Aaron Roberts switched to right back whilst Danny Deehan started his first senior game for Sporting on the left of defence. There were two more debutants in midfielder James Blake and striker Chris Morrison signed from Conference South club Staines Town and partnered by Stuart Hall recently re-signed from Feckenham.

Both teams started quite cautiously patiently building up attacks but creating little to cause the goalkeepers any problems. During this spell Sporting had the better chances with Keith Draper having a shot blocked on the line whilst Morrison fired over from close range.

As the match progressed, so Atherstone began to eased themselves more into the game and on 28 minutes imposing striker Joe Boggild forced Sporting 'keeper Chris Mole into a fine reflex save when he headed from 12 yards out.

It was Boggild who make the decisive strike five minutes before half-time when he hooked in substitute Liam Potter's cross from 15 yards out giving Mole no chance.

After the interval Sporting came out their blocks quicker playing with greater purpose and moving the ball round quickly but their finishing left a lot to be desired with Turk and Deehan firing over the bar whilst Jon Rogers playing as a right-winger hit one shot wide whilst another required a low save from home 'keeper Sam Slater.

Atherstone seemed to be content to defend their narrow one goal advantage preferring to keep players in defence rather than seek to reinforce their lead. However that policy nearly rebounded on them when Salter tipped over Danny Deehan 30 yard drive just after the 90 minutes were up only for the lively left back to hit the bar with a free kick in the last few seconds of the match.

So disappointment for the few but loyal Sporting fans who made the trip up to North Warwickshire but the consensus after the match was if they keeping up the form shown today then wins and points will follow.

Atherstone (red/white striped shirts, black shorts, red socks, 4-4-2):
Sam Slater; Jordan Stain, Paul Reddish, Kieron Graham (Capt.), Dean Johnson; Mark Culver, Lee Chapman (Steve Olanipekun 61 mins), Liam Bailey (Liam Potter 29 mins), Darren Eggleton; David Yonwin (Dale Farley 84 mins), Joe Boggild.
Subs not used: Craig Ridsdill, Carl Hind.

Sporting (Yellow shirts, white shorts, white socks, 4-4-2):
Chris Mole; Aaron Roberts, Jamie McWilliams, Joe Brookes, Danny Deehan; Keith Draper Jnr. (Dan Wilkes 81 mins), James Turk, James Blake, Jon Rogers; Chris Morrison, Stuart Hall (Alex Kelly 81 mins).
Subs not used: Peter Jenvey, Leon Mooney, Elliot Brown

Atherstone Town 1 Bromsgrove Sporting 0

With a spectacular electrical storm overhead, Adders kicked off the season facing a Bromsgrove side promoted last season from Division 1. Morrison, for the visitors, headed just over after 12 minutes but Atherstone were unlucky in the 16th minute when a smart turn and shot by Yonwin saw his effort strike the post low down. Boggild saw his close range effort well saved by Mole in the Bromsgrove goal in the 27th minute.

However, the tall striker gave Adders the lead after 40 minutes. A right wing cross found Boggild near the penalty spot and he swivelled to hit a firm shot which Mole got his hands to but could not keep from crossing the line. The ever dangerous Morrison nearly scored an equaliser soon after but home 'keeper, Slater bravely dived at his feet. The same player missed a sitter just before the break, blazing over from close range.

Half Time: 1-0

Boggild headed wide soon after the break but the second period saw Bromsgrove in the ascendancy. Full back Deehan's 30 yd free kick scraped the bar after 55 minutes, Blake scuffed his shot when clear in the 6yd box five minutes later and Brookes saw his 78th minute free kick go straight to Slater.

Adders best effort saw Eggleton fly down the left wing before crossing just behind Boggild. However, the striker managed to get in an overhead kick which flew inches wide. Adders defence which struggled through much of last season was magnificent as Bromsgrove threw everything at them in the final minutes.

Deehan's cross was tipped over by Slater in the 89th minute. Then the on-loan Nuneaton 'keeper produced two fine re-action saves in injury time before Rogers hit the home cross bar with a free kick right at the end.

For once it was the Adders day, let's hope it is many times more throughout the rest of the season.

Full Time: 1-0

Atherstone Team: Slater, Stain, Johnson, Reddish, Graham (capt), Bailey (Potter), Culver, Chapman (Olanipekun), Yonwin (Farley), Boggild, Eggleton

Adders Rating (out of five) ***
MOM: Sam Slater
Attendance: 186