This article looks at the latest results and news from all the Sporting teams…
FIRST TEAM
The First Team lost 3-0 at home in the league on Saturday to Leamington.
LADIES
Sunday 4th February – Areley Kings vs Bromsgrove Sporting Ladies
Sporting went into the game looking to extend their unbeaten start to the league campaign in very windy conditions, on a very bobbly pitch. Starting brightly, Sporting created a few chances in the first five minutes, with shots from Beth Breen, Amy Kendall and Charlotte Arrowsmith.
They made the early pressure count in the nine minute, when a fantastic bit of link-up play between Breen and Sophie Taylor allowed the former to slot the ball past the Areley goalkeeper. The same duo linked up again four minutes later, when Taylor again set up Breen with a brilliant through ball, with Breen getting her second of the game with a composed finish.
Sporting continued to push for the third goal, creating many chances, but found converting these difficult, with a number of saves from the Areley goalkeeper. The third goal did came when Charlotte Wallis made a driving run through the centre of the pitch, before playing in Breen to complete her first-half hat-trick in the 36th minute. Half Time – Areley 0 – 3 Bromsgrove Sporting.
The second half saw Sporting attacking with the wind behind them and it only took eight minutes to get the fourth goal. Sophy Paton playing a smart through-ball to Vicky Grady, who slotted the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. Breen finished her scoring after getting on the end of a ball from Ellie Nash, taking the ball around the keeper to score her fourth, and Sporting’s fifth, on 59 minutes.
Areley did not give up on their hopes of scoring against a very solid Bromsgrove defencee. A well-timed run saw an Areley striker through on goal, but Rosie Parslow was off her line quickly to stifle any chance of a goal with a great challenge.
On 82 minutes, the goal of the game was scored, when a cross from Ellie Nash was headed away and picked up just outside the box by Megan Chapman, who set herself up to fire a rocket of a shot into the top left corner. Sporting kept pushing for more goals in the final minutes, and nearly got further rewards with four minutes to go. A long ball over the top by Kendall allowed young debutant Heather Rigby to chase down the ball, only to be denied a goal by a good save.
Full Time – Areley 0 – 6 Bromsgrove Sporting. Goalscorers: Beth Breen (x4), Vicky Grady, Megan Chapman.
Opposition Player of the Match: Elle Higgins-Pugsley.
Sporting continue their league campaign at home on Sunday against local rivals Meadow Park. Come down and show your support as the Ladies look to push for the league title (weather permitting)!
For information from the Ladies’ team, be sure to tweet their Twitter/X account – @LadiesSporting.
VETERANS
Sunday’s game for the Bromsgrove Vets saw them travel over to Hollyfields to play Springville, who they beat 5-2 at home two weeks previous. Springville had, however, beat top of the league Northfield Town 2-1 the following week and were looking for revenge. The game started with some great intensity, with half chances missed from both teams. Some very good football was played and, 20 minutes in, a great ball into the box was finished with a delicate header by Jermaine Clarke to make it 1-0 Bromsgrove. Springville then played some very good football and got their equaliser five minutes later. The home side then continued to press and took the lead with a well worked goal to lead 2-1 at half time.
Bromsgrove made one change at half time and went on the offensive. Dan Ward continued to upset the back four of Springville with his pace and, 15 minutes in, his movement in the box won a Penalty. Jon Hems stepped up and rifled the equaliser into the back of the net – 2-2 with 25 minutes to go and Bromsgrove started to get the upper hand.
Then, after a long throw from Springville, two players came together, toeing the ball out for another throw. The referee then decided that it was a foul by the Springville player and went to give him a yellow card – the player then said something to the official and a red card was produced.
The Springville manager then shouted at the ref, who then decided to abandon the game with 20 minutes left to play.
COLTS RESULTS (3 – 4 FEBRUARY)
A massive well done to our U13s, who recently won 2-0 vs Kidderminster Harriers to book a place in the National Cup quarter finals.
They’re at home to the Coventry City Development Team next, for a semi final spot – a chance to play the strongest three remaining in the country.
COLTS TOURNAMENT
All Colts posters supplied by the Colts set-up
GIRLS
Bromsgrove Sporting Under 9
Bromsgrove came up against a Droitwich team that had won every cup game but found themselves in a tough game against Sporting.
It was a brilliant first half by Sporting – closing the opposition down, pushing them back and really pressing, whilst adding some chances with tactics used in their training sessions.
They went in at half time well in the game, but tiredness crept in through the second half.
Great communication was shown by the girls and they kept going until the end – they are constantly improving!
Bromsgrove Sporting Under 18MW
During the first half, Bromsgrove started strong and it was very equal possession-wise. Bromsgrove had five shots on target and kept the opposition at bay, remaining strong and continually holding their own.
Bromsgrove started the second half strong and had one shot on target. They remained strong, even after the opposition scored a goal.
They showed more effort and determination in this half, pressing well and holding the ball in the opposition’s half, having another two shots on target. Bromsgrove kept a positive outlook, even when the opposition scored the final goal, and they are looking forward to their next game at home.
Bromsgrove Sporting Under 18TL
At Boldmere, the girls were on top for long periods of the game and made several excellent chances but could not put in in the back of the net. At the other end, it was a different story. Boldmere seemed to score every time they attacked and Bromsgrove’s defence was not at its best. 3-0 at HT.
Sporting started the second half as they ended the first – scoring one and hitting the woodwork twice. All out attack from Bromsgrove was followed by two more soft goals!
Bromsgrove carried on regardless and, even though they eventually lost 6-1, they were the better team – but, it’s goals that count at the end of the day. Nonetheless, a well done on the performance.
The Bromsgrove Sporting Girls are starting to look at next year’s teams and would like to invite players to consider playing next season. If interested, contact Alan Williams on 07786 983 951.