The Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central, Saturday 5th November, 3:00 p.m. kick-off

Bromsgrove Sporting 2 (2) Royston Town 1 (0)

Following three away fixtures Bromsgrove Sporting returned to the Victoria Ground with a new management team of player/manager Mike McGrath, former assistant manager Andy Mason returning to his former role and West Bromwich Albion legend Richard Sneekes as the coach. Two new players also lined up for their debuts in striker Brandon Smalley, signed from Yate Town and Kai Lissimore on loan from Kidderminster Harriers in mid-field.

The team instantly started on the front foot with great work from Dom Perkins and Ryan Edmunds to Smalley. His ball found Miro Pais whose shot went over the bar. Dan Sweeney, back in the team following a spell with injury, opened the scoring on the 20th minute with a well-worked moved starting with Ammar Dyer in defence then to Joe Curtis and Brandon Smalley before Sweeney slotted past Royston keeper Dimitrios Kyriatzis

Brandon Smalley doubled the score on 35 minutes with a brilliant solo effort, turning his man from 15 yards out before firing home.

The second half was rocky with the visitors keeping the Rouslers pinned back in their own half for most of the 45 minutes.

Sporting gave away a penalty away on 61 minutes, easily converted Matthew Bateman. However Sporting 'keeper Ollie Taylor made a number of great saves ultimately keeping his team in the game.

So at last a deserved and welcome win for Sporting, the first for manager McGrath, who will be pleased with his team's performance. Next match is away to Barwell this coming Saturday.

Sporting line-up: Ollie Taylor, Ammar Dyer, Dom Perkins (Lewis Wright 82 mins), Joe Curtis, Tom Taylor (Capt), Mike McGrath, Miro Pais, Kai Lissimore, Dan Sweeney, Brandon Smalley, Ryan Edmunds (Callum King-Harmes 74 mins). Unused substitutes: Liam Armstrong, Zidan Sutherland, Jack Newell.

Referee: Mr K Bartlett (Tamworth), attendance: 563