Bromsgrove Sporting 2 (Cowley 14', M. Taylor 17')
Tamworth 2 (McDonald 90', 90+4')
Bromsgrove Sporting were left licking their wounds on Tuesday evening, as two second half stoppage time goals from former Rousler Shaquille McDonald saw them draw 2-2 with Tamworth.
The returning Jason Cowley opened the scoring in style 14 minutes in, before his strike partner Mikey Taylor doubled the lead three minutes later.
However, a brace from McDonald saw Sporting have two points snatched away from at the death.
Both Cowley and Mikey Taylor had efforts before the deadlock was eventually broken just under 15 minutes in; Cowley had the ball on the edge of the area, out wide, from where he deliciously curled the ball with his right foot into the back of the net.
Shortly after, Nathan Hayward had a header diverted off the line by a Tamworth defender, but Bromsgrove wouldn't have to wait long for the second, as a superb cross from the flank by Charlie Dowd was headed home by an unmarked Taylor from six yards.
Tamworth's first chance of the game came 22 minutes in, as Lindon Meikle had a shot from inside the box saved instinctively by Daniel Platt.
Chris Lait and Cowley both drew saves from Jas Singh midway through the half, while McDonald found himself in a one-on-one position but saw his shot kept out well by Platt.
Tamworth tempers started to fray in the closing minutes of the half, as defender Lathaniel Rowe-Turner was booked for a tackle on Mikey Taylor, with joint-managers Gary Smith and Andy Danylyszyn both cautioned as well.
Dowd kickstarted the second half with two shots, one blocked and one off target. Up the other end, Aaron Forde had a shot inside the area that was brilliantly saved by Platt, with a follow up hitting the post.
Platt had to be alert again moments later, tipping a McDonald effort wide of the goal.
The 58th minute saw McDonald strike over from 12 yards, closely followed by Mikey Taylor finding himself through on goal but shooting wide.
More Sporting chances came just after the hour mark; a great run from Cowley resulted in a blocked shot, with both Dowd and Lait forcing Singh into saves.
Tamworth's Ryan Beswick had a cracking effort in the 64th minute, but with just Platt to beat, he could only find the post from close range.
The visitors enjoyed more chances as the clock ticked - Jordan Gough's effort inside the box was hit straight at Platt and McDonald smashed the ball at the Sporting stopper but he was equal to it with a stupendous save.
However, McDonald was to get on the scoresheet and break Sporting hearts in the process; firstly, he found himself in plenty of space and duly hammered home in the 90th minute, before he leapt highest in the box to head home a free kick to level the scoreline in the fourth minute of additional time.
There was still some late drama to be had though, as Henri Wilder received his second yellow after celebrating with the Tamworth fans.
The final whistle blew, but Forde received a second booking afterwards and Tamworth joint-manager Gary Smith was also sent off.
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Entertainment rating: 4/5
Player of the Match: Charlie Dowd (Bromsgrove Sporting)
From the Tamworth Website:
After a weekend of rainy weather, Tamworth travelled the short distance to Midlands rivals Bromsgrove Sporting in search of their third league win following Saturday’s victory in the FA Cup against Evesham United.
There were a few new faces in the squad following signings after the FA Cup victory and after a short delay to kick off, Tamworth got the game underway.
It was a quick paced start to the game with Tamworth trying to make the most of the initial possession to catch Sporting offside.
Tamworth got the first shot at goal via McDonald after some good work down the left-hand side, but his shot went out for a corner.
Minutes later at the other end, Sporting nearly took the lead from a quick throw in taken in an attempt to catch Tamworth off guard, but the rising shot went just over Singh’s net.
The game was very fast and open with end to end goal mouth action until the Rouslers latest signing Cowley managed to make the most of possession and curl a shot from the left hand side of the 18 yard box which dipped into the bottom right of the Tamworth net on 14.
Soon after, they came close to making it two but this time it was former Lamb, Lait who took a shot following a free kick and saw it cleared off the line by Beswick. However it wasn’t long until the Tamworth defence were tested once more and Wilder was beaten on the nearside before another former Lamb, Taylor, got on the end of the cross to put the ball into the goal unmarked to make it 2-0 on 17.
Tamworth certainly didn’t let their heads drop and started work on yet another comeback with a cross into the box for Lindon Meikle to finish 6 yards out in the 20th minute but keeper Platt got in the way and then McDonald’s overhead kick rose over the bar.
Following a bad tackle in front of the dugout, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner picked up a yellow card and gave Bromsgrove the freekick with the Lambs bench also picking up a yellow card.
After 10 minutes of end to end goalmouth action, the referee blew for half time with Tamworth evidently trying to get themselves back into the game.
HT: Bromsgrove Sporting 2 - 0 Tamworth
The second period continued just as the first had ended with action at both ends and Cowley shot but it rose just over the bar.
Platt then received a yellow card for time wasting and Forde had a shot on his goal but the Sporting shot stopper kept Tamworth at bay once again.
On 50, Tamworth made a double substitution with McDonagh and latest signing Tilt coming on for Graham and Waite and their impact was felt instantly on the pitch.
The Lambs came close to pulling one back once again through McDonald while Beswick also hitting the post minutes later. O’Connor replaced Meikle on 65 before a bad tackle by Wilson on Forde and a reaction from Forde saw both booked.
The game continued towards the last 15 with action at both ends before some great link up play between McDonagh and Forde, feds the ball into McDonald who got a goal back for Tamworth via an excellent strike from the left of the box.
Minutes later, with momentum still flowing from the first, The Lambs equalised through McDonald following a perfect free kick delivery by Beswick allowed him to head down and into the back of the net past Platt from close range Amid the celebrations, Henri Wilder was given a second yellow but Tamworth didn’t have to hold on for long as the final whistle was blown just seconds later The Lambs took a point back up the M42 although they will be missing Forde again who picked up a second booking at the final whistle.
Tamworth Team:
Singh, Hart, Wilder, Beswick, Gough, Rowe-Turner, McDonald, Forde, Graham (McDonagh 53), Meikle (O’Connor 65), Waite (Tilt 56)
Subs: Howkins, Gordon
YC: Rowe-Turner 34, Hart 88
RC: Forde (YC 74+90), Wilder (YC 84+90)
Bromsgrove Sporting Team:
Platt, Ezewele, Wilson, Hayward, Ward, Boardhurst, Mussa (Spink 74), Dowd, Cowley, Taylor (Richards 60), Lait (Pais 65)
Subs: Beardmore, Quaynor
YC: Platt 47, Wilson 73, Pais 82
Attendance: 600
Referee: Mr. S. Brown
