This is the latest in a series of weekly updates focusing on our new U21s side, courtesy of Matt Tennant…
Bromsgrove Sporting’s U21s continued their Challenge Bowl clean sweep on Saturday, with a fifth consecutive win against Stafford Rangers U21s.
The home side beat the Staffordshire unit 2-0 to hold onto third place with 15 points, matching Rushall Olympic U21s, who are just above Sporting on goal difference.
Sporting’s U21s started well and were rewarded with a 1-0 lead, after Lewis Doyle’s chip early in the game.
Despite a lot of chances created by the Rouslers after the break and a lot of action in the visitors’ half, Stafford defended well to frequently frustrate Bromsgrove’s attacks.
However, after chipping away at Stafford’s defence with multiple corners, a determined Sporting eventually found the back of the net when George Gillon gathered a corner ball to smash a second goal.
The victory puts Bromsgrove in a strong position to reach the knockout stages of the competition, with one Bowl fixture remaining.
U21s joint-manager, Stuart Carson, said: “It was another pleasing weekend for the U21s, with a few changes that freshened up the starting eleven and gave the lads good game time.
“I thought we started well and scoring early always settles you down, but we should have made more of our chances.
“Overall, it was a good result against a strong Stafford side, where we managed the game very well in the second half, with the added bonus of another clean sheet.”
Bromsgrove Sporting Manger, Scott Adey-Linforth, was in the crowd at Saturday’s game, and praised the team’s performance.
Commenting on Scott’s attendance, Carson said: ”It was great for the boys to see Scott watching and we all really appreciated his words to the boys after the game in the dressing room.
“The support we have had from Scott and his staff has been first class.”
Next up, Bromsgrove welcome Sporting Khalsa U21s Youth Development team, in the last scheduled game of the season.
Sporting Khalsa are currently 15th in the Challenge Bowl table, with one win and three losses in the competition so far.
They finished ninth in the North Division on 16 points, having won three of their eighteen games in the League this season.
Bromsgrove finished their league in third place, after a tense finale against table rivals Bedworth United U21s.
In the Challenge Bowl, Bromsgrove are in a similar position, sitting in third, having won all their fixtures in the competition so far.
They are joint on 15 points with Rushall Olympic U21s in second place, only split by goal difference, and will be looking to jump ahead of them this weekend.
Sporting Khalsa have shown signs of improvement after a thumping 5-0 home win against Diamonds Academy U21s last month, and will need a similar performance to disrupt the home side’s five-game winning streak in the Challenge Bowl.
“Onto this week and our last home game of the season against Sporting Khalsa, which will provide a tough test and one we look forward too,” said Stuart Carson.
“Hopefully we will get some good support for the lads as we follow on from the first team’s final game of the season and aim to go unbeaten in the Bowl format.
“Thanks to the club and everyone’s fantastic support this year at home. One more to go and what better than a Saturday evening of football with the bar open!”
Saturday’s clash will have a late kick off at 7:45 PM, with a bar open until late on the night.
Bromsgrove Sporting U21s will face Sporting Khalsa U21s Youth Development on Saturday 26th April at the UK Electrical Stadium with a late 7:45 kick off.
