The Pitching-In Southern League Premier Division Central - Saturday 15th April 2023, 3:00 p.m. kick-off

Bromsgrove Sporting 2 (2) Barwell 0 (0) at Victoria Ground

It was not the celebration that Bromsgrove Sporting fans wanted but it was a celebration nevertheless when referee Mr Allsopp blew for full-time last Saturday at the Victoria Ground signifying a win over Barwell and confirmation that relegation had been avoided writes Shaunna-Grace Murphy.

Prior to the match, captain Tom Taylor was presented with a salver by director of football, Graham Scott to mark his 100th appearance for the Club the previous Monday.

Sporting were on the hunt for three points following a poor run of results despite some strong performances from the lads. However various decisions and officiating had caused The Rouslers to drop crucial points in the run to the season close.

Despite both being red-carded last Monday, Tom Taylor and in-form Mo Sebbeh were available for selection as their bans had not yet come into effect.

The home side started strong and got the ideal boost with Prince Henry scoring his second goal of the season on just the third minute. It followed a cross from Brandon Smalley that the Barwell defence only managed to clear to Kartell Dawkins; his shot from the edge of box was deflected to Henry who turned a half-circle finding a gap on the goal line past helpless away 'keeper Andrew Wycherley.

Following the goal, The Canaries pushed forward gaining a couple of useful free-kicks but their normally reliable goal scorer Brady Hickey was well off target with both efforts.

Shortly after Mo Sebbeh was caught in possession on the corner of the penalty area but just managed to knock the ball into free space; Dawkins saw his opportunity sprinting ten yards before hitting a blistering shot into the right-hand side of Wycherley's net; a second for the home side and Dawkins first goal in a red and white striped shirt.

And so the scoreline remained until half-time with the away team clearly disappointed especially as they had recently been on a good run of form.

As the second half started Dawkins and Miro Pais, who had received knocks earlier, were replaced as player/manager Mike McGrath had next week's match in mind but with Sporting defending in numbers to hold their lead, action and excitement were in short supply. The game opened up briefly around 70 minutes with Barwell creating chances but as with the first half their shooting could have been better and those on target were easily cleared by the Sporting back four though Ollie Taylor between the sticks also made a couple of crucial saves.

After playing three minutes of added time and hearing that Kings Langley had lost and therefore were occupying the final relegation space, Sporting were able to breathe a sigh of relief as Mr Allsopp signalled the end of the match.

So, a big three points for The Rouslers which secures their spot in the same division next season. After the match the result of the vote for the Supporters' Player of the Season was announced and by a large majority the award went to Sporting's outstanding goalkeeper, Ollie Taylor.

Sporting line-up: Ollie Taylor, Jack Newell, Ayo Lekuti, Joe Curtis, Tom Taylor (Capt), Mike McGrath, Kartell Dawkins (Lewis Wright 46 mins), Mo Sebbeh (Demi Akinwe 70 mins), Prince Henry, Brandon Smalley, Miro Pais (Conor Tee 46 mins).

Unused substitutes:, Mikel Brown, Tris Dunkley.

Referee: Mr J Allsopp

Crowd: 904

Sporting Player of the Match: Mike McGrath