Bromsgrove Sporting 0
Bishop's Stortford 2 (DaSilva 10' P & 84' P)

Two Cole DaSilva penalties helped Bishop's Stortford see off Bromsgrove Sporting on the opening day of the season.

Scored in the 10th and 84th minutes, they ensured it would be an afternoon to forget for the Rouslers.

The opening penalty was given after Sporting keeper Adam Harrison brought down Saleem Akanbi in the area following an undercooked pass from defender Paul McCone. DaSilva stepped up and confidently placed the ball home.

Sporting's Josh Ezewele fired a shot over the bar in the 25th minute - arguably the best Sporting chance of the first half.

The home side had two big headed chances inside the first 20 minutes of the second half - Nick Clayton-Phillips put a free header wide before Ezewele had an effort cleared away.

With a little under 15 minutes remaining, Harrison had to be alert to keep out a couple of efforts from the lively Akanbi.

The lead was doubled with six minutes of normal time remaining - an Ezewele foul led to DaSilva sending Harrison the wrong way with his spotkick.

Sporting had a couple of late chances to reduce the arrears, with Koby Arthur clattering the crossbar with a good effort from a little over 20 yards out before Kobe Hall beat two men in the area before having his left-footed shot saved smartly by Stortford stopper Adam Hayton.

Entertainment Rating: 3/5
Player of the Match: Saleem Akanbi (Bishop's Stortford)

Sporting Man of the Match, chosen by Matt Brooks, from match sponsors Bromsgrove District Council Commercial Waste Services: Adam Harrison

Attendance: 551
50/50 number: 5589 (winning £202)

Report: Max Banner