This article looks at the latest results and news from all the Sporting teams…
FIRST TEAM
The First Team recorded an incredible 3-0 win over league leaders Needham Market at home on Saturday.
We have two more massive games coming up over the Easter weekend; a trip to Coalville Town this Saturday is followed a home match against AFC Telford United on Easter Monday. Both games are 3:00 kick offs, and we will have more details of each game on our website in the lead up to these games.
LADIES
Sunday 24th March – League Cup: Bromsgrove Sporting Ladies vs Inkberrow Eagles.
Sunday’s game saw Sporting Ladies look to book their place in the quarter finals of the League Cup against an Inkberrow side who they had previously beaten twice this season already.
Despite not having a game for the past month, Sporting started the game in scintillating fashion, finding themselves 4-0 inside 12 minutes. The first was three minutes in – a through ball from Vicky Grady, that found Sophie Taylor, who scored at the second attempt after a smart save from the goalkeeper. On seven minutes, Amy Kendall played a perfect free kick into the path of Taylor, who slotted her second into the bottom corner. Taylor found herself through on goal again in the 10th minute, looking for her hat-trick, but very unselfishly squared the ball for Beth Breen to tap in. Sporting’s fourth was the same combination as the second, with Kendall slotting the ball through to Taylor, who completed her hat-trick with a well-struck effort at the near post.
As the first half progressed, Sporting were fully in control of the ball, playing some excellent football. The scoreline would have been significantly higher if it wasn’t for some superb goalkeeping from the Inkberrow stopper. Firstly, there was a point-blank save from a Elle Higgins-Pugsley header, then further saves from Sophy Paton, Breen, Taylor and a one-on-one with Kendall. The last 15 minutes didn’t see many chances created, but possession was still very much dominated by Sporting, with Inkberrow sitting very deep.
Half time: Sporting 4 – 0 Inkberrow.
The second half kicked off with Sporting making a number of changes. This did not stop the domination of possession, nor the creation of chances from Sporting. On 63 minutes, Ellie Nash chipped a ball into Taylor, who expertly volleyed the ball into far corner for her fourth goal of the game. After this, there were chances in quick succession for Charlotte Wallis and Heather Rigby. Heading into the last 10 minutes, Rigby drilled in a low cross and Grady came in from the opposite wing to tap the ball home on 81 minutes.
The scoring was the wrapped up when Bev Mytton sent the ball to Breen, who cut inside her defender and brilliantly curled the ball into the far corner. A convincing victory in the cup for Sporting, who now await their opponents for the quarter finals.
Final Score: Sporting 7 – 0 Inkberrow
Scorers: Sophie Taylor (x4), Beth Breen (x2), Vicky Grady. Player of the Match: Sophie Taylor
Sporting’s next game is a top of the table clash at home against rivals Malvern on Sunday 7th April at the VG. The Ladies would love to see as many people there to support them as possible, for a game which will decide who finishes top of the league!
For information from the Ladies’ team, be sure to tweet their Twitter/X account – @LadiesSporting.
VETERANS
Sunday saw Sporting Vets travel to the Gas Ground, to play a league fixture against Hollyfields. After no game for over month for both sides due to the weather, the opening 20 minutes was interesting, with some wayward passing and a few miskicks.
However, midway through the first half, both teams seemed to get a grip on the game and played so good football on a difficult pitch. After 35 minutes, Hollyfields opened the scoring with a long range shot that passed through two of their players. Appeals for offside were ignored and Hollyfields led 1-0 going into halftime.
The second half saw Sporting play some good football, creating several chances but somehow, they couldn’t find the back of the net. But 15 minutes in, a lovely through ball from Joe Brookes to Ollie Jones was finished exquisitely with a lob over the keeper for the equaliser. Sporting then continued to press, but couldn’t find the back of the net and with 15 minutes left, the missed chances came back to haunt them, with Hollyfields scoring at the back post to lead 2-1. The game then when back and forth for the remaining 15 minute,s but the final whistle blew and Hollyfields ran out 2-1 winners.
The game was played in a fantastic spirit, with some decent football from both sides on an awkward pitch. Man of the Match wen jointly to Brookes, who played some fantastic football despite nearly a year out of the game, and Jones, not only for his goal but for his relentless work rate on the right wing.
The Vets are Away to Northfield Town on Easter Sunday.
COLTS ON TWITTER/X
Head to @sportingcoltsfc on Twitter/X for all the latest results and fixtures from our Colts youth set-up.
MORE FROM THE COLTS
All posters supplied by the Colts set-up
GIRLS NEWS
Under 9
“What a phenomenal difference from our first meeting (first game of the season). A huge improvement and hats off for the successful recruitment – 5 players before, and now 12,” said the manager of opponents Inkberrow.
Sporting held Inkberrow the first half, going in at only 1-0 down (Sporting only had 6 players on pitch when they scored). First half was brilliant – positions, tackling, and the girls were not scared.
Second half was tough, with a lot of injuries. The difference in this game was that every girl, when on the bench, was asking to go back on. They all want to play and confidence is growing. Fantastic!
Are there any girls/women who would like to become one of our Wildcats Coaches for the younger age groups? Please contact Alan Williams on 07786 983 951.
Bromsgrove Sporting Under 18 TL
This was the first game the girls have played for eight weeks due to the weather and it was the cup quarter final vs Sutton Coldfield, a hard tackling and extremely competitive team.
The game started evenly, with both teams making chances. The visitors’ centre forward was extremely lively and dangerous, but well contained by the Sporting defence. The breakthrough came midway through the first half, with a well taken goal from Amber – 1-0 to Bromsgrove at half time.
Sutton Coldfield came out after the break and pressurised the defence, eventually scoring to make it 1-1. A contentious penalty followed and Sporting were 2-1 down with 15 minutes to go.
The girls rallied and were awarded a penalty, converted by Amber again. With five minutes to go, Freya converted a shot after a lovely through ball and Sporting were 3-2 up . Sutton threw the kitchen sink at Bromsgrove and scored in the 94th minute, making it 3-3.
The two sides were now in extra time and it was end to end stuff. Freya struck again with a lovely finish to make it 4-3 at half time of extra time. In the second half of extra time, Sutton threw their second and third kitchen sinks at Sporting but they held firm. Charlotte in goal finger tipped one away in the final minute, ensuring Bromsgrove won a great game 4-3!
A great advertisement for girls football, with both sides giving everything and a bit more.
They play Rugby Borough in the semi final (away, date TBA). This will be a really tough one, but the girls will be up for it.
No games this weekend as it’s Easter.
The U18s are recruiting players for next year’s team, as there are quite a few going to University – contact Alan Williams on 07786 983 951 if you’re interested!
