The Emirates FA Cup - Second Qualifying Round - Saturday 17th September 2022, 3:00 p.m. kick-off
Hereford 1 (0) Bromsgrove Sporting 0 (0) at Edgar Street
After a brilliant run in the FA Cup last season Sporting were looking to emulate this feat again, however Hereford playing in a league higher were standing in their way writes Shaunna-Grace Murphy.
Sporting manager Thomas Baillie went strong in his line-up playing two imposing strikers up front in Dan Sweeney and Mikey Taylor, something we have not seen much of this season.
The first half was well-controlled by the Rouslers where ex-Hereford man and current Sporting captain Mike McGrath held a great presence alongside Kieron Dawes at the back which made it difficult for the home side to press. With neither team able to gain any advantage, they went in 0 - 0 at half time.
Both sides started after the interval with more urgency and Sporting early on nearly took the lead through Taylor but his shot was glanced just over the bar. On 55 minutes Bromsgrove had a penalty claim as Taylor was denied by 'keeper Harvey Wiles-Richards but whilst they protested, Hereford broke quickly up field with Harry Pinchard finding the run of Ryan McLean who neatly slotted the ball home from the right through Ollie Taylor's legs to give his team the lead.
After that, there was a push from Sporting with a flurry of corners; however the delivery was never enough to create much in the way of chances.
Later in the half, Sporting had a couple of decent penalty shouts waved away, one being a handball in which appeared to make contact with a defender's hand; however, referee Mr Watkins did not agree.
The final whistle went meaning Sporting bow out of the FA Cup for this season, a blow for Baillie's side who with a bit more luck might have made at least a replay. His side now look to bounce back in the League against Basford United at home on Saturday.
Sporting line-up: Ollie Taylor, Lewis Wright (Jack Byrne 69 mins), Dom Perkins (Jimmy Fry 69 mins), Mike McGrath (Capt.), Kieron Dawes, Miro Pais, George Forsyth (Matt Barnes-Homer 80 mins), Harvey Gregson, Ryan Edmunds, Dan Sweeney, Mikey Taylor.
Unused substitutes: Zac Hartley, Callum King-Harmes, Ryan Pratt, Joe Curtis.
