This is the latest in a series of weekly updates focusing on our new U21s side, courtesy of Matt Tennant…
Bromsgrove Sporting’s U21s jumped to third in the league after their 1-2 win against Coventry United U21s at the weekend.
The two sides, in rainy conditions, traded possession and shared the chances, in what ultimately amounted to a goalless first half.
Bromsgrove had settled in by the second half and opened the scoring after a neat through ball found the boot of Archie Thurston, who slotted Sporting’s first.
Taking advantage of a loose Coventry pass, the Rouslers fired the ball up field to set up a rapid run and stunning finish from Alemi Obey-GM, doubling Bromsgrove’s tally.
Winning duels and capitalising on mistakes, the visitors held onto their two goal lead until an unfortunate run in between an attacking Coventry player and Bromsgrove keeper Charlie McNamara saw the home side score a penalty moments before the end.
The result sees Sporting move ahead of table rivals Bedworth United U21s by one point, with the two sides switching back and forth for most of the season.
“With a thread bare team on Saturday and in poor conditions, we stuck with the task in hand and came out with a hard fought win,” said U21s joint-manager, Mark Reeve.
Fellow U21s joint manager, Stuart Carson, agreed saying: “In horrendous weather and on a pitch which got worse as the game wore on, I thought the lads were fantastic.
“We played some great stuff and created numerous chances, but what really pleased us was how they took on board what we had worked on last week so a positive result and performance.
“Well done to Matt at Coventry United for getting the game on last week and providing a proper game from a very well run club,” Carson added.
Away from Bromsgrove, U21s goalkeeper Charlie McNamara impressed for Cradley Town FC in Tuesday night’s match against Continental Stars.
The young keeper recently joined Cradley on a dual-registration and steered the side to a 3-2 penalty shootout victory, after saving three penalties in his debut match.
This week, the Rouslers will prepare for a long-overdue home appearance and welcome Stourport Swifts U21s.
Following various circumstances, all scheduled home fixtures for Sporting in 2025 so far have been cancelled, making this weekend their first home appearance since October last year.
Last time out, Bromsgrove visited the Swifts for a resounding 2-7 victory to cement their strong away form and extend a struggling Stourport’s woes.
Stourport have had a difficult start to the year with one league loss against Cadbury Athletic U21s and a further two losses in the Challenge Bowl.
“We’re looking forward to a long awaited home match on Saturday,” said Mark Reeve.
“Let’s hope the weather is kind!” he added, following a spell of poor weather conditions which have caused previous home fixtures to be cancelled.
Sitting in last place with four points, the Swifts will be hoping for a positive result on the road this weekend to close in on Solihull Sporting, who are on six points.
Bromsgrove, who are on 22 points, will be hoping to tighten their grip on third and move further clear of Bedworth United U21s, who are hot on their heels with 21 points.
“Onto this week and we welcome Stourport Swifts, which I’m sure will be another tough fixture, as an old teammate of mine and coach runs a very good group,” said Stuart Carson.
“We look forward to welcoming them to The UK Electrical Stadium.”
You can catch Bromsgrove Sporting U21s play Stourport Swifts U21s at the UK Electrical Stadium on Saturday 22nd February at 10:30am.
