Bromsgrove Sporting (1) 2-3 (1) Littleton
Sporting just couldn't find an equaliser against an organised Littleton side on a disappointing, yet entertaining evening at the Victoria Ground.
It only took 40 seconds for Littleton to take the lead after a clumsy tackle from Kieran Pace, making his first start in Sporting colours, on the edge of the penalty area. The referee correctly pointed at the spot and the penalty was duly converted by Callum Clarke, sending keeper Jake Bedford the wrong way.
After this the game was fairly even as both teams settled into the match. Sporting created the better chances, especially down the left wing where young Luke Shearer was too good for the Littleton right back on a number of occasions. It wasn't until the 30th minute when a short corner caught out the Littleton defence, allowing Rico Taylor to cut inside and confidently strike the ball into the left corner, past the despairing dive of the Littleton keeper.
Sporting were now in control and could have taken the lead before half time, had it not been for some wonderful goalkeeping, firstly from a Josh Mckenzie strike and then just before half time, a Danny Ludlow free-kick that snuck under the wall, and was smartly saved at the goalkeepers near post. As the half time whistle sounded, Sporting would have considered themselves unlucky not to have a half time lead.
In the second half, Littleton raced out the blocks with Sean Cooke looking especially lively. Twice in the first ten minutes of the half they caught the Sporting defence sleeping, firstly in the 50th minute with a ball across the six yard area put away by the Nathan Hayward and then two minutes later some lovely build up play down the right was slotted home by Robbie Bunn to make in 3-1 to the visitors.
Despite this, there was still an air of positivity in the shed end, probably due to Saturdays comeback exploits against Atherstone Town. They seemed justified when on the 60th minute, Josh Mckenzie rose up the furthest to head a Danny Ludlow corner into the right corner, giving the keeper no chance.
Sporting continued to attack and whilst Littleton looked confident and calm with any build up play down the centre, they did look vulnerable from crosses and set pieces, with McKenzie and substitute Dave Almond going close on a number of occasions. The final chance came in the last minute of stoppage time when a fantastic Ludlow free kick appeared to be flying into the top left corner only to be brilliantly saved by Hayden Whitcombe in the Littleton goal, arguably their man of the match.
Despite the loss there were a number of positives to be taken from the match. Robbie Ager seems to be a very versatile player, playing at left wing against Highgate and effortlessly slotting into the centre back position tonight. Ludlow looks better at left back every time he plays, and Aaron Williams in centre midfield looks a good acquisition. Luke Shearer also looks a fine player in the forward position with his strength and pace.
Although the result was not as hoped, Sporting were by no means battered and we can now look forward to our debut in the FA Cup this Saturday against Bewdley Town in the Extra Preliminary Round.
