This is the latest in a series of weekly updates focusing on our new U21s side, courtesy of Matt Tennant…
Bromsgrove Sporting’s U21s put up a valiant performance to draw 2-2 with league leaders Boldmere St Michaels U21s this week.
Boldmere arrived at The UK Electrical Stadium full of intent and took the fight to the home side, with a quick tap into the goal and an impressive strike from outside the box to put the Rouslers on the back foot.
Despite losing Archie Thurston and Harvey Flemming to injury, Bromsgrove battled on to complete a hearty comeback, thanks to George Gillon’s magnificent goal and penalty conversion.
A goalless second half saw a magnificent Bromsgrove defence deny the visitors time and time again, but an equally strong Boldmere backline forced a draw and both sides picked up a well-earned point.
“Hosting league leaders Boldmere, I thought we got off to an uncharacteristic sluggish start but full credit to the boys who came in at halftime level,” said U21s joint manager Stuart Carson.
“Losing Archie through a first-half injury was a blow and we all wish him a speedy recovery.
“Saying that, Harvey came off the bench to win our penalty and provide an energetic display before also going off injured.
“The second half was a game of few chances, as both teams seemed to cancel each other out.
“Full credit to the lads, who we must remember have only played five league games together, and are playing against teams who have been together for a few years.
“A special mention also to our volunteers and the ground force team; the playing surface was immaculate.”
Archie Thurston suffered an ankle sprain in Saturday’s game and is expected to be out for four weeks, while Harvey Flemming took a knock to the eye but will be in training as normal this week.
It has also been confirmed that Zac Powell has joined Westfields Football Club, on a dual registration with Bromsgrove’s First Team.
The 17-year-old joined Sporting’s U21s earlier this year and has since gone on to make appearances for the club’s first team.
In other news, U21s goalkeeper Charlie McNamara made his debut with Sporting’s first team in their clash with Droitwich Spa.
The 17-year-old helped the Rouslers to a 1-3 away win in the Worcestershire Senior Cup last Tuesday and was credited by first-team manager Paul Smith for his versatile kicking ability.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Sporting and being involved in training with the first team in the lead-up to my debut,” said the U21s keeper.
“It’s been a huge learning experience being around the squad, especially working with Charlie (Price) and the goalkeeping coach (Josh Coney).
“I also want to thank the gaffer for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to play, and hopefully there’ll be more to come.”
“Congratulations to Charlie McNamara for making his debut for the first team,” said U21s joint manager, Mark Reeve.
“Playing a full 90 minutes with an assured performance is a great achievement for one of our U21 development players.”
Speaking about his team’s next match, Mark said: “We continue with league preparations this week, following a two-goal brace from George Gillon in a deserved 2-2 draw against league leaders Boldmere.
“We are looking to maintain our good form in what will be another testing match this coming Saturday against Cadbury Athletic U21.”
Bromsgrove’s U21s are back on the pitch on Saturday 12th October at 10:30am, as they welcome Cadbury Athletic U21s to the UK Electrical Stadium.
