Bromsgrove Sporting 0
Halesowen Town 2 (Ponticelli 14, Cowley 16')

Bromsgrove Sporting's all-time top goalscorer Jason Cowley came back to haunt his former side on Easter Monday, as he was involved in both of Halesowen Town's goals in a 2-0 victory in front of 1,641 fans.

A saved shot of his led to Jordan Ponticelli breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute, before he netted himself with an effort from inside the area two minutes later.

The opening 10 minutes of the game were relatively even and end-to-end; that was until the opener was scored, via a fierce strike from Cowley being palmed by Sporting stopper Rory Brown into the path of Ponticelli, who made space for himself inside the six yard box before slotting the ball home.

The lead was doubled when Cowley serenely chopped the ball onto his left foot inside the box before neatly curling the ball into the top corner.

He almost bagged again in the 29th minute, but his well struck shot was saved well by the right foot of Brown.

Sporting had the majority of the chances in the second half; the 74th minute saw substitute Luke Benbow attempt an audacious half volley from distance that former Bromsgrove keeper Dan Platt claimed easily enough.

Seven minutes later, it was Benbow versus Platt once again, as a Niall Flint cross was headed towards goal by the Sporting striker, with the Halesowen number one tipping it onto the crossbar and out for a corner.

The pick of Platt's saves came with five minutes of normal time remaining, as a cracking strike from Kyle Belmonte was superbly diverted wide by a strong palm.

The win boosted Halesowen's play-off hopes in what is a battle that is set to go down to the final day, whilst Sporting's relegation worries were heightened with wins for both St Ives and Stamford on the day.

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Entertainment Rating: 3/5
Reporter's Player of the Match: Jason Cowley (Halesowen Town)

Attendance: 1,641
50/50 number: 24566 (winning £239)

Report: Max Banner