This article about our U21s side, from Matt Tennant, reflects on last weekend’s close encounter and this Saturday’s home fixture…
Bromsgrove Sporting U21s winning streak came to an end after their narrow 3-2 loss to Brocton U21s last weekend.
The Rouslers arrived full of energy and momentum for their first away game since November, due to numerous fixtures cancellations following poor weather conditions.
Similarly to their last win, Bromsgrove started with strong intent, putting pressure on the home side and creating significant opportunities.
A calm and collected Brocton side were the first to score after pouncing on a gap in Bromsgrove’s defence and converting a free kick to take the lead before half time.
It wasn’t long into the second half before Bromsgrove’s Alemi Obey-GM scored a penalty to bring this level, going on to claim a brilliant Man of The Match performance.
Brocton battled on to retake the lead but Bromsgrove kept chipping away at their opponents before Zak Parr slotted a hard fought equaliser in the 87th minute.
With adrenaline pumping and determination running high, Bromsgrove pushed for the winner, but an oversight left the door open just wide enough for Brocton to score a last minute winner.
After the game, U21 join-manager, Stuart Carson, was keen to praise their opposition.
“Firstly, many thanks to all at Brocton for getting the game on and their hospitality. A credit to the club,” said Carson.
“I expected a stern test against a strong Brocton side and it’s exactly what we got.”
Brocton are now fifth in the table on 24 points, while Bromsgrove stay in ninth on 18 points.
“Fair play to our lads – I thought we started really well on the front foot, forcing the keeper into saves and hitting the bar twice,” Carson continued.
“As we headed to half time, you can’t switch off and, by not dealing with a defensive two on one, we conceded a free kick and conceded a goal thereafter.
“Half time was positive based on chances created. Through some good play, the lads took our points on board and Alemi forced a penalty and converted well.
“Conceding a second meant we had to fight back and, with some changes, it was pleasing to score our equaliser on 87 minutes through work we had done in training.
“As always, the group are learning and pushed for a winner, but decisions are vital at any level and with an overload in the box, we chose the wrong option and, full credit to Brocton, we got done on the counter.
“Overall, I thought it was a good game. We played some good football in the right spirit.
“We move on, learn from it and look forward to Stourport at home on Saturday. Thank you to everyone for travelling and supporting the lads.”
Bromsgrove’s next test against Stourport is set to be just as energetic, with the teams separated by one point going into the weekend.
Faced with more game cancellations than Sporting, the Swifts have played nine league games this season – the lowest number in the league.
Despite this disruption, they have made an impressive start to their campaign. winning six of their fixtures to sit eighth in the table, whilst also reaching the Quarter Final of the Worcestershire FA Saturday Cup.
However, the team’s County Cup journey ended last week, when they were knocked out of the competition after a 3-1 loss to Worcester City FC Reserves.
Their last league game back in November saw Stourport suffer a 1-4 home loss to Sutton United U21.
In comparison, Sporting, who were similarly out of action between November and January, managed to maintain good form with a 4-0 victory over S J B Juniors U21s in their first game of 2026, followed by the narrow defeat last weekend to a strong Brocton U21.
Bromsgrove’s success has consistently pushed them up the table and with the Rouslers now breathing down Stourport’s neck, can they capitalise on the Swifts’ frustrating recent form to move up another position?
Find out when Bromsgrove Sporting face Stourport Swifts U21 on Saturday 31st January at The UK Electrical Stadium with a (10:30 KO).
