Late goal earns Bromsgrove Sporting point at Stamford

Tyrone Lewthwaite after scoring his early goal for Bromsgrove Sporting at Stamford. <i>(Image: Bromsgrove Sporting FC)</i>
Tyrone Lewthwaite after scoring his early goal for Bromsgrove Sporting at Stamford. (Image: Bromsgrove Sporting FC)
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MATCH report

Stamford 2 (1) Bromsgrove Sporting 2 (1) at The Zeeco Stadium.

The Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central, Saturday, January 31, 3pm kick-off.

The Zeeco Stadium played host to an engrossing encounter on Saturday afternoon, as Stamford and Bromsgrove played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Tyrone Lewthwaite gave Sporting the lead in the 11th minute before Leon Lobjoit levelled proceedings just three minutes later.

Mikey Armstrong put the home side in front nine minutes into the second half, but Sporting substitute Luke Benbow netted with a little over five minutes remaining to ensure the Rouslers would take a valuable point back to Worcestershire.

Stamford's Jack Keeble put a fourth-minute effort over the bar after a free-kick was put into the box.

The deadlock was broken when Jack Kelly worked hard to play in Lewthwaite, who deftly toed the ball past oncoming keeper Tom Jackson and into the goal from inside the area.

The Dannies equalised when Lobjoit put the ball into the net from close range, after Sporting stopper Rory Brown initially saved a well-struck effort.

Keeble had another opportunity in the 21st minute—this one being a free header that went wide of the mark.

Brown knocked away a 27th minute Ryan Wilson free kick; moments later, the home side had the ball in the net via Alex Collard, but it was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

Bromsgrove finished the half strong and had several big chances to retake the lead.

Niall Flint had a deflected volley saved stupendously by Jackson, Akai Bonnick hit an effort straight at the Stamford stopper after being set up by Kelly, and Billy Shaw had a one-on-one shot saved just before the interval—from which he was substituted off due to a possible hamstring injury.

Armstrong found the bottom corner with a well-taken strike in the 54th minute to put Stamford ahead.

Kai Tonge almost doubled the lead just over 10 minutes later, but he struck wide.

In similar fashion to the first half, Sporting were the stronger side towards the end of the second too—Brad Stretton cut inside from the right and unleashed a venomous left-footed effort that was smartly saved by Jackson.

Sporting defender Luke Softley had a penalty appeal turned down with 15 minutes of normal time remaining, with the leveller coming nine minutes later.

Midfielder Jack Newell surged forward in style and sensationally found Benbow in the box with a pinpoint pass—his first shot hit the post, but he was on hand to knock the rebound into the goal and give Sporting a point that was richly deserved.

Sporting line-up: Rory Brown, Aaron Roberts (Capt), Kyle Rowley, Luke Softley, Niall Flint, George Wynne, Jack Newell, Billy Shaw (Brad Stretton 48 mins), Jack Kelly (Max Asante-Boakye 80 mins), Tyrone Lewthwaite, Akai Bonnick (Luke Benbow 65 mins).

Unused substitutes: Koby Arthur, Archie Duerden.

Referee: Mr C Hodson

Attendance: 493

Sporting Player of the match: Niall Flint

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