This article about our U21s side, from Matt Tennant, looks at their weekend win after a short break in fixtures, as well as this Saturday’s match…
Bromsgrove Sporting U21s beat Ashby Ivanhoe U21s 2-1 at home last weekend.
It was Sporting’s first match since January, after a five week fixture drought in February left the side itching to jump back into action.
“After five weeks off without a game, you aren’t quite sure how the lads will react,” said Under 21s joint-manager, Stuart Carson.
“Full credit to the group, as we have worked the lads like a mini pre season once again, due to weather postponements and a lack of fixtures from the league.”
The Rouslers started well against the visiting Ashby, who were by no means easy to get the better of.
Bromsgrove worked the ball well to allow Alemi Obey-GM to score a stunning goal. A clinical Ashby unit regrouped well and soon slotted their own fine finish to stay in the game.
Despite a lack of game play for Bromsgrove recently, their training schedule remained consistent and the team’s solid work ethic paid off.
They kept the pressure on before Harvey Flemming found the back of the net to give the Rouslers a 2-1 lead at the end of an energetic first half.
The home side maintained their strong form into the second half and despite competitive phases of play from both sides, Bromsgrove stayed active throughout and steered themselves to a well deserved win.
Ashby Ivanhoe showed first class attitude and impressive skill, with Stuart Carson being keen to deliver high praise.
“I would like to commend the Ashby players and management. A proper opponent who played the game in the right spirit. Competitive and well organised, they also left the dressing room immaculate at the end.
“We started well against a very well organised side, who will make their mark in the league.
“We were playing on the front foot and creating chances. It was a great goal from Alemi, which was purely down to his attitude to chase a lost cause and get himself on the scoresheet.
“Ashby grabbed one back and then, through playing the way we have worked on, I thought we deservedly went into the break in the lead.
“The second half was going to be hard work but after weathering some pressure – I thought our fitness work stood us in good stead and we finished the game stronger.
“Full credit to the whole squad on Saturday. Every player gave their all, including the lads off the bench which showed a real team attitude.”
“Thanks to everyone who came down to support the lads – I thought your vocal support pushed us onto the three points.”
Next up, Bromsgrove Sporting U21s make the short trip to Valley Stadium to face Redditch United U21s for some local derby action in the Challenge Bowl.
Many months have passed since this last match up, but memories of Sporting’s 4-0 victory will still hurt Redditch, who have struggled to get going this season.
The Reds are currently 17th in the league table on seven points, in comparison to Bromsgrove’s eighth place, standing on 24 points.
Redditch have won three games this season, two of which were against the two teams below them, with the other a 0-1 victory over 15th place Stafford Rangers, which was a key result in their battle to climb up the table.
Under 21’s joint-manager, Stuart Carson, said his team will look forward to the Redditch match, which he described as ‘another tough fixture’, highlighting the capability for teams to bounce back and make an impact in the U21 competition.
Watch Bromsgrove Sporting U21s take on Redditch United U21s at the Valley Stadium on Saturday 14th March (10:30 KO).
