This is the latest in a series of weekly updates focusing on our new U21s side, courtesy of Matt Tennant…
Bromsgrove Sporting’s U21s’ four game winning streak has come to an end after their 0-2 loss to Coventry United U21s at the weekend.
It was a game of two halves, with both sides grappling for possession and taking their shots in first 45 minutes, but neither finding a breakthrough.
The search for goals continued well after half time, before a second-half surge from Coventry saw them storm ahead with two goals in fifteen minutes.
Coventry’s Finley Stephens and Clark Quinn scored, with the home side unable to bounce back towards the end.
“Saturday was a game of two halves,” said U21s manager, Mark Reeve.
“The first was equal with some good spells of possession, but we dropped off in the second half.”
Fellow joint manager, Stuart Carson, agreed: “Sometimes, you get what you deserve in games and after a very good hour we lost our way in the game.
“Full credit to Coventry who will cause teams problems if they play like they did on Saturday.
“Saying that, as we have said all season, it’s all about learning for our group.
“We will focus again at training and look forward to a tough fixture away to Coalville.”
The loss has propelled Coventry United up to fifth in the league on 19 points, while Bromsgrove are now neck and neck on 25 points with Bedworth United, after their 1-2 win over Cadbury Athletic.
With two league fixtures remaining, this could set up a climactic final showdown for third, as the two teams meet in April for their final league game of the season.
Outside of the U21s, three U21s alumni featured in the first team’s matchday squad for Saturday’s 2-3 away win at St Ives Town.
Zac Powell, who has played for the first team on multiple occasions now, got minutes in the tank, while Sporting’s U21s keeper, Charlie McNamara, and striker Archie Thurston, also made the bench.
Stuart Carson commented: “It was positive news last weekend with Charlie and Archie involved on the bench for the first team, and Zac getting another run in a great last gasp victory.
“Well done to all and thanks to everyone at the club for their support of the U21s.”
This week, the team turn their attention back to the Bowl, with a matchup against North Division outfit, Coalville Town Ravens U21s.
“This week, we will look to regroup with a challenging match in the Challenge Bowl,” Mark Reeve commented.
Both teams are on an equal six points in the Bowl with Coalville Town currently in fourth and Bromsgrove right behind in joint fifth place with Boldmere St Michaels.
The Ravens are seventh in the North Division, with 17 points and narrowly ahead of Lichfield City on goal difference.
The Leicestershire side have won both of their Bowl fixtures so far, with a dominant 0-3 win against Cadbury Athletic U21s and a 2-5 victory over Coventry United U21s, to maintain their impressive away form in the competition so far.
Bromsgrove have had similarly successful away form, with wins over Walsall Wood U21s and Bilston Town U21s; a positive statistic ahead of the journey to face Coalville this weekend.
Bromsgrove Sporting’s U21s will face Coalville Town Ravens U21s at The Mander Cruickshank Solicitors Stadium on Saturday 22nd March at 10:30AM.
