The Pitching-In Southern League Premier Division Central, Saturday 4th March 2023, 3:00 p.m. kick-off

Bromsgrove Sporting 2 (2) Ilkeston Town (2) 3 at The Victoria Ground

Following their loss in midweek, player/manager Mike McGrath's side entered their second consecutive home game against play-off chasing Ilkeston Town writes Cameron Jarvis. A high-scoring affair which saw the away side come from behind twice and walk away victors.

After his two-game suspension, McGrath returned to the match-day team in the centre of defence.

The game started off fast and frenetic as Jack Tolley for Sporting had the first shot of the game from 20 yards out which Ilkeston 'keeper Callum Hiddleston pushed away for a corner on his right-hand side.

The opening goal came from Conner Tee making his first start for the Rouslers. Mo Sebbeh sent a delightful pass up field on the right that found Tee whose angled shot from 20 yards out went in at the near post.

Almost immediately Ilkeston replied when a cross from Mitchell Woakes by-passed both McGrath and Ammar Dyer and fell to the feet of Remaye Campbell who had no trouble putting it away.

Just passed the half-hour mark, Sporting captain Tom Taylor equalised after his header of a well-placed Brandon Tolley corner came back to him from the Robin's 'keeper and he scrambled away the rebound.

Then with the last kick of the first half, the away side got another equaliser when Jordan Hallam’s shot deflected off McGrath sending Ollie Taylor the wrong way and found its way into the Sporting net. The two teams went into the break all level at 2 - 2 in a very entertaining first half.

The second period went rather slowly with no clear chances until 30 minutes to go when a scuffed shot from a Declan Erratt-Thompson cross somehow found its way to Leroy Lita who, slightly inadvertently, guided the ball into the net.

Bromsgrove tried to find a late equaliser with Jack Tolley sending one over the bar from range and deep into added time substitute Callum King-Harmes shot with power but his effort went straight to 'keeper Hiddleston.

So three points for Ilkeston Town who continue their push for a play-off place as Sporting return to the Victoria Ground next Tuesday for third consecutive home match when they play Needham Market.

Sporting line-up: Ollie Taylor, Ammar Dyer, Nathan Kabeya, Kartell Dawkins, Tom Taylor (Capt), Mike McGrath, Joe Curtis (Dewain Sewell 90 mins), Mo Sebbeh (Miro Pais 67 mins), Jack Tolley, Brandon Smalley, Conor Tee (Callum King-Harmes 78 mins). Unused substitutes: Mikel Brown, Blake Kindred

Referee: Mr T Hood

Crowd: 624

Sporting Man of the Match: Tom Taylor