U21s SUMMARY: Reflections on pre-season

This article about our U21s side, from Matt Tennant, reflects on pre-season ahead of their upcoming second season…

After months of recruitment, training and preparation, the U21s have completed their pre-season warm ups and are days away from heading into their second season.

The team features many familiar faces and some new talent, following the departure of a number of players. Fin Carson, George Gillon and Josh Burgess have departed from the U21s, but will remain in red as members of Bromsgrove Sporting’s first team squad.

The current team made their debut against Leafield Athletic. Despite a 3-2 defeat, Sporting clawed their way back from a two goal deficit at half time, showing promising signs of resilience and strong character in their first outing.

A week later, the team faced last season’s Challenge Bowl winners, Bedworth United U21s, in a key test of ability. After dominating and seizing opportunities, Sporting finished with a 2-4 victory.

Speaking after the Bedworth match, U21s joint manager, Mark Reeve, said: “There were new faces and a competition for places with, some great all round performances against last-season’s Challenge Bowl winners Bedworth United. 

“A slow start saw us go one behind, but we came straight back three minutes later.

“What was good to see was we created chances all game and extended our lead before finishing 2-4.”

Narrow defeats to challenging opponents followed; a 3-2 loss to Fairfield Villa’s First Team on the road was followed by an impressive comeback from last season’s South Division winners Stourbridge, who snatched an exhilarating 3-2 win over Sporting after Bromsgrove led at the break.

But the Rouslers rounded off their pre season on a high, with a short visit to Kidderminster Harriers. Sporting eased themselves into the game before taking a rapid 0-3 lead to sail away from the home side. Despite slotting a last minute goal at the end of the first half, the Harriers couldn’t overcome Bromsgrove, who maintained the scoreline in the second half for a convincing 1-3 victory, providing strong motivation going into the season opener. 

You can catch Bromsgrove Sporting’s U21s in their opening clash of the season against Pelsall Villa Colts U21s at Long Lane Park on Saturday 30th August with an 11:00am kick off.