BROMSGROVE Sporting have fired player-manager Michael McGrath after struggling in The Pitching-In Southern League Premier Division Central this season.

Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to promotion-chasing Leamington extended their winless run to six games in all competitions with only two victories in the last 16 fixtures.

The result left Sporting fifth from bottom and nine points off AFC Sudbury in the relegation zone having played two games more.

A Sporting statement said: "Following a sustained period of indifferent results, the executive board at Bromsgrove Sporting have decided to part ways with manager Michael McGrath.

"We would like to thank him for all his efforts during his tenure, especially in his first season when he had to deal with numerous changes happening within the club.

"We wish him all the best for the future."

Chairman Rod Brown said: “We, the executive board, now need to carefully consider the direction we wish to take on the field moving forward.”

Former Hereford midfielder McGrath, 38, leaves Sporting, who visit high-flying Mickleover on Saturday (3pm), after being appointed in October 2022.

Leamington eased to an away victory at Bromsgrove over the weekend, writes Max Banner.

Callum Stewart gave the Brakes the lead from the penalty spot in first-half added time before goals from Jack Edwards and captain Adam Walker ensured all the points headed back to Warwickshire.

The first half was relatively low on chances prior to the opener.

Edwards had a couple of early opportunities whilst Tyrone Barnett headed the ball straight at Sporting stopper Ollie Taylor in the 28th minute.

After Stewart was hauled down in the area, he stepped up and scored the penalty.

The lead was doubled six minutes into the second half in fine style as Edwards struck a free-kick from the halfway line that went over Ollie Taylor's head and into the net.

Prince Henry had a brilliant chance to cut the deficit on the hour mark but he headed wide a one-on-one effort after capitalising on a defensive mix-up.

Billy Shaw had a couple of opportunities to score for Sporting just after the 70-minute mark but he failed to find the target with either of them.

The scoring was complete in the sixth minute of added time when Walker capped a fine team move with a neatly-curled strike.

Sporting: Taylor, White, Lekuti, Rowe, Roberts, Solademi, Shaw, Cooper, Henry (Berry 64), Dunkley (Leachman-Whittingham 71), Pais. Unused substitutes: Newell, O'Hanlon.

Referee: Mr L Scott.

Sporting Player of the Match: Billy Shaw.

Attendance: 648.