Bromsgrove Sporting's winning home run ended by Atherstone

BROMSGROVE Sporting’s 100 per cent home record in the Midland Football League Division One came to an end on Saturday afternoon, as they came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 against Atherstone Town, writes Max Banner.

The Rouslers’ afternoon got off to the worst possible start as Aaron O’Neill headed the visitors into the lead two minutes in before Alex Naughton continued his fine season in front of goal with a penalty half an hour later to double the advantage.

Chris Lloyd got Sporting back into the game when he converted a spot kick in the dying embers of the first half before substitute Will Tibbetts’ free kick on the hour mark brought proceedings level.

Bromsgrove knocked on the door throughout the remaining thirty minutes but the winner proved elusive, with Tibbetts, Tony Clarke and Jason Cowley all failing to convert chances to notch up a third.

Sporting headed into this game looking for their third league win in a row but those hopes were quickly put on hold as the dynamic Ben Ashby sent a delicious cross towards the head of O’Neill, who converted the simplest of close range headers to give the Adders the lead.

Events could have taken a turn for the worse for Bromsgrove a minute later, as an audacious attempt from ex-Sporting striker Kyle Turner was tipped over the bar by Chris Jay.

As the half progressed, Sporting slowly made their way into the game and halted the Atherstone onslaught that shook them inside the opening five minutes.

However, a foul from Craig Jones inside the box saw Naughton given the chance to add to his impressive goal tally this season, which he duly took as he neatly dispatched the resultant penalty into the bottom corner.

Sporting’s best chances fell in injury time of the first period. Firstly, Aaron Roberts had a header cleared off the line before a trademark Reece Hewitt darting run resulted in him being brought down in the area.

Up stepped Lloyd, who confidently blasted the ball into the top corner, leaving Atherstone stopper Tom McNulty with no hope whatsoever.

The introduction of Tibbetts to the game at half time gave Paul Smith’s side real impetus. He was instantly seen to good effect when his free kick from the wing somewhat fortuitously made its way into the top corner, although the joyous Shed End faithful did not appear to be too bothered about the lucky nature of the equaliser.

He nearly bagged a second two minutes later but his effort from just inside the box was tipped wide by McNulty before almost turning provider, as his corner was headed over by Tony Clarke.

Atherstone’s penalty scorer Naughton had a free kick comfortably saved by Jay with almost ten minutes to go but for the remainder, it was all Sporting.

Jason Cowley had a fierce close range shot blocked, which was followed up by a curled Reece Hewitt effort agonisingly wide of the target.

Tibbetts’ crossing prowess was seen to further good effect, as he found the head of Cowley with an accurate ball, who unfortunately put the ball just wide of the mark.

Clarke almost landed all three points for Bromsgrove but his last gasp chance went over the bar.

A valuable point for Sporting given their rather abject display in the first half. Next up for the Rouslers, Sunday afternoon’s FA Vase encounter at home to Lichfield.

Sporting: Chris Jay, Aaron Roberts, Jack Wilson, Nathan Walker, Craig Jones (Capt, Will Tibbetts 46 mins), Danny Morris, Reece Hewitt, Robbie Bunn, Jason Cowley, Tom Craine (Tony Clarke 68 mins), Chris Lloyd (Sam Wills 81 mins).

Subs unused: Jake Willcox, Sean Brain.

Atherstone: Tom McNulty, Dan Harris (Ashley Wilks 75 mins), Ashley Gray, Kurtis Mewies, Scott Goodby, Liam Bailey, Ben Ashby, Kyle Baxter, Alex Naughton, Kyle Turner, Aaron O'Neill Subs not used: Christian Mullings, Louie O'Connor, Gavin Brown, Ben Minshull.