Coventry United 3, Bromsgrove Sporting 2

BROMSGROVE Sporting were shot down by Midlands Premier leaders Coventry United in a must-win match.

With a front two partnership of new signing Kyle Turner and Connor Collins, Sporting played their part in a game they could have got more from.

Coventry were slightly quicker out of their blocks and Pierre Moudime had the first shot on the second minute after a good run down the right but it went well wide of the post.

Sporting matched their opponents and Reece Hewitt came close on eight minutes when Richard Morris in the United goal took the sting out of his shot.

Hewitt fired the Rouslers ahead in the 16th minute when his powerful angled shot took a deflection off one of the home defenders and ballooned over keeper Richard Morris.

Tempers boiled over on 37 minutes with the first of three fracas involving most of the 22 players and benches.

Once the referee Martin had cooled things down football resumed with three yellow cards having been brandished.

United though finally got on to level terms just before the interval in somewhat controversial circumstances.

United levelled in controversial circumstances when Moudime looked to handle the ball by the by-line but there was no flag and the attacker sent over a well-flighted cross to Matthew Brown who headed home past a helpless Josh Moreton.

The second half continued much as the first with each side creating good chances but nothing changing the scoreline.

Dale Edwards replaced Sam Willis on 73 minutes and unfortunately for the youngster he got caught in possession five minutes later with Sporting on the attack.

Joshua O'Grady who won the tackle sent the ball into the Sporting box but a poor clearance only went to Muziwandile Nduma who picked his spot and found the corner of the net giving his side the lead.

Sporting upped the tempo for the last few minutes with Edwards going wide moments later.

United made it 3-1 after Jones fouled O'Grady, who converted the spot-kick.

Bromsgrove rallied and gained a deserved goal three minutes into added time when Richard Macauleigh and keeper Morris got into a mix up releasing the ball to Turner who scored off the post with an open goal available.

Before the final whistle there was enough time for one more melee with Aaron Roberts for Sporting and Nduna.

Afterwards, manager Paul Smith said: "It was a good game that I think we should have won. I am very disappointed but sometimes you don't get what you deserve."

Coventry: Morris, Moudime (Hutchcox, 86), Djedge (Vallance, 46), Cox, Richards, Burgess, Joshua O'Grady, Glasscoe, Brown, Ndlovu (Mussa, 73), Nduna.

Subs not used: Moyo, Fox.

Sporting: Moreton, Roberts, Kelly (McKeon, 85), Fitter, Jones, Luke Dugmore (Ethan Hanks 85 mins), Sam Wills (Dale Edwards 73 mins), Reece Hewitt, Connor Collins, Kyle Turner, Jack Wilson.

Subs not used: Delaney, Brain.

Referee: Mr L Martin (Birmingham) Attendance: 150 Sporting MoM: Jack Wilson Report: Phil Baker