This is the latest in a series of weekly updates focusing on our new U21s side, courtesy of Matt Tennant…
Bromsgrove Sporting’s U21s struck gold with a 5-2 win over Stourport Swifts U21s, in their first home game of the year.
Stourport were first off the mark after a deflected clearance tumbled in between the posts.
Bromsgrove were quick to rectify this error, with Zak Parr setting up Harvey Flemming’s headed equaliser.
The determined home side maintained an aggressive attack, with James Tierney’s strong left footed finish, before Ewan Carter spun the ball around for another goal to give his team a 3-1 lead into the break.
Stourport got their second goal with a stunning shot from Ethan Everett well into the second half before quick footed debutant Finlay Horrocks responded by drawing in three Swifts defenders and firing an impressive shot through the keeper’s legs for his first Sporting goal.
It wasn’t long before Tierney bagged another to wrap up a sunny morning of football with a win for home heroes Bromsgrove.
“It was great to be back at home for our first match of 2025,” said joint-manager, Mark Reeve.
“A slow start saw us fall behind, but we grew as the game progressed and played well in parts.
“We came away with the win, but with plenty to work on as we progress,”
This was echoed by fellow joint-manager, Stuart Carson, who said: “After a good win on Saturday, on reflection, there’s still lots for the lads to work on and we will be covering these areas in training.
“Starting games correctly is vital at any level and coming from behind to secure the win was pleasing.”
Looking ahead, the team’s fixtures for March have been released, with Sporting scheduled to make their debut appearance in the MFL Challenge Bowl.
Organised by the Midland Football League, this competition is open to all 19 teams across both the North and South U21 divisions.
Bromsgrove’s U21s will kick off their Challenge Bowl campaign this Saturday against Walsall Wood U21s away, before also facing Bilston Town U21s and Coalville Town Ravens U21s on the road in the same competition.
The team also have two league games against Coventry United U21s and Solihull Sporting U21s in March, both of which are home fixtures.
As mentioned above, Sporting’s U21s announced the temporary addition of striker Finlay Horrocks this week.
Horrocks joins the club after returning from injury, having previously played for Gloucester City.
He started for Bromsgrove last weekend against Stourport Swifts U21s and marked his U21s debut with a goal in the team’s 5-2 home win.
This week, Bromsgrove prepare to take on Walsall Wood U21s in their first Challenge Bowl clash.
Unlike Bromsgrove, Walsall are well underway with their Challenge Bowl campaign, having recently played two fixtures in the competition.
The Staffordshire side were thrashed 5-0 against South Division leaders, Stourbridge U21s, away but came out on top in their most recent clash, winning 4-3 in a close contest with Diamond Academy U21s.
Bromsgrove head into this weekend with momentum, having won both of their recent league games to reclaimed third place in the South Division.
Walsall Wood are sixth in the North Division on 18 points and sit narrowly ahead of seventh place Coalville Town Ravens U21s on 17 points.
Walsall will be aiming for back-to-back Bowl wins, while Sporting’s U21s will be keen to get a hattrick of victories and make a strong start to their Bowl journey.
“Saturday we commence with the Bowl Challenge competition & looking forward for the games to commence,” said Mark Reeve.
Stu Carson added: “It’s great that we get to play sides from the other division. This will provide a tough test and one we should relish.”
Bromsgrove Sporting U21s will face Walsall Wood U21s in their first Challenge Bowl fixture on Saturday 1st March at 12:00 PM at Walsall Wood Football Club.
