This article about our U21s side, from Matt Tennant, reflects on their opening game of the new season…
Bromsgrove Sporting U21s returned to league action with a 1-3 loss against Pelsall Villa Colts U21s in their first match of the season.
Sporting’s development team, including players from last season and new talent recruited over the summer, visited the Staffordshire unit off the back of an encouraging 1-3 win over Kidderminster Harriers at the end of a rocky pre-season.
Bromsgrove started the game positively, defending attacks and buidling momentum, until mistakes gifted the home side their first goal from Gareth Eseme in the thirtieth minute before Max Williamson slotted another just before half time to put Sporting on the backfoot.
The visitors reignited their hopes in the second half, with Brendan Field’s finish halving the deficit and inspiring ambitions of a late draw.
But a sin bin for Bromsgrove dampened the Rouslers’ hopes of an equaliser, which were ultimately crushed by another Pelsall goal.
Bromsgrove Sporting U21s joint-manager, Stuart Carson, said: “After a good start, we lost our way in the game and were rightly punished for a couple of mistakes.
“Second half we started well and, after scoring, we thought we would push on for at least the draw.
“Unfortunately, a free kick and sin bin followed and, although we kept pushing, it wasn’t to be with 10 men at a crucial point in the game.
“Full credit to Pelsall, who gave it everything. Lessons to learn for our mainly new group which, if learned, will stand us in good stead for upcoming games.”
Next up, Bromsgrove hit the road again to face Bilston Town U21s, in Sporting’s second league game of the season.
With three matches played and two wins already under their belt, Bilston Town sit comfortably in sixth place, with six points in the Capelli Sport MFL U21 Division.
Following a tough 3-1 loss against last season’s league winners Bedworth United U21s, Bilston have found strong form, with a 4-0 over Coventry United U21s and an impressive 1-5 away win over SJB Juniors last weekend.
Despite last weekend’s loss, Bromsgrove’s commitment to pre-season training and ability to play well for long spells has left plenty of positive signs for the new squad.
Bilston will have their eyes on a third consecutive win and aim to squeeze their way into the top three, while Bromsgrove will hope to disrupt the home side’s momentum.
You can catch Bromsgrove Sporting U21s face Bilston Town U21s on Saturday 6th September at the Queen Street Stadium with a 10:30am kick off.
