Evo-Stik League South - Division One Central - Saturday 18th August 2018, 3:00 p.m. kick-off
AFC Dunstable 1 (1) Bromsgrove Sporting 4 (2) Creasy Park Stadium
Bromsgrove Sporting travelled away to AFC Dunstable in the first game of the new season. After an apparent burst of confidence from the last pre-season friendly, Sporting were looking to impress again. Early on Bromsgrove took possession playing some eye-catching football. The attacks led to a corner but Dunstable battled the ball away, stopping Sporting momentarily.
Dunstable won a corner and headed straight for Bromsgrove's box to attack but persistent defending from Aaron Roberts denied them a shot at goal. Winning the ball, Dunstable again engaged Sporting's defenders, this time forcing a foul. The free kick however hit the wall and a rebounded shot hit the gloves of Reece Francis. Bromsgrove played the ball out from the back and put it into the path of Will Shorrock. After a persistent attack his cross was stopped by the Dunstable keeper.
Bromsgrove won a corner and from here Josh Quaynor's cross found Nathan Hayward but his shot was sent over the bar. Dunstable's goal-kick flew to Reece Francis and some lovely one touch passing was played. Space was found for Cameron Peters to shoot, but hit wide.
Bromsgrove again regained possession and a cross from Josh Quaynor found Will Shorrock. Shorrock played it into Cameron Peters who scored to make it 1-0. Dunstable restarted play but the ball was quickly gathered by Nathan Hayward. After more attractive passing play, Will Shorrock ran into space but was fouled, winning a free kick on the right hand side. Shorrock crossed into the box and Ryan Frater, who wasn't under any pressure, unfortunately headed the ball into his own making the scoreline 2-0.
Dunstable tried to get themselves back in the game and played some neat football, causing problems for the Sporting defenders. A challenge on Christian Tavernier led to a Dunstable free-kick. It was well taken but Craig Jones jumped to head it behind for a corner. The corner came in and a scuffle allowed BJ Christie to score making it 2-1 at half-time.
The second half commenced and Sporting won a penalty after Josh Quaynor was fouled. Richard Gregory stepped up and thumped the ball in, making it 3-1. Dunstable restarted again and played some threatening stuff. A string of attacks came at Sporting's defence but tackles from both Aaron Roberts and Craig Jones stopped them scoring. Richard Gregory soon won the ball and put his cross straight into the gloves of Jamie Head.
Sporting again found themselves on the attack and Cameron Peters was brought down in the area. There were many appeals for a penalty but the referee waved them off. Bromsgrove pushed forward excellently with Will Shorrock who sent the ball into the box and a mistake from Dunstable's keeper found John Pykett who headed home to send Sporting way in front, at 4-1.
After another set of attacks from both sides that come to nothing the referee eventually blew the whistle, signalling the end of the game. Brendan Kelly, Andy Mason and Kevin Barry should be very happy with such a performance.
With some beautiful football played on the pitch and a wide margin on the scoreline the travelling Sporting fans went home celebrating, no doubt even more excited for Tuesday's home fixture against Kidlington.
Sporting line-up: Reece Francis, Aaron Roberts, Jack Wilson, Nathan Hayward, Craig Jones, Danny Morris, John Pykett (Charlie Dowd 73 mins), Josh Quaynor (Jack Cresswell 81 mins), Cameron Peters, Richard Gregory Ashanti Pryce 79 mins), Will Shorrock.
Substitues not used: Harry Higginson, Marcel Simpson.
Reporter - Josh Waldron
