BROMSGROVE Sporting opened up a seven-point gap at the top of the Midland League Premier Division table with a 4-2 victory at title rivals Coleshill Town, writes Phil Baker.
Richard Gregory and Jason Cowley got two each to maintain their combined goal-scoring tally whilst the Colemen got back into the game with eight minutes to go, making the final stretch a nerve-wracking experience for the 600-plus Sporting fans who had made their way up the M42.
With most matches cancelled after the deluges of the previous three days, there were no such problems with Coleshill’s artificial pitch which suited both clubs not to have any more matches postponed.
Sporting got into their stride immediately with Gregory hitting a weak shot against ‘keeper Paul Hathaway’s legs in the first minute but the home side were a match for their opponents having the slightly better of the play for the next half hour.
Reece Leek for Coleshill had the best effort after 17 minutes when he picked up Reece Francis’ poor clearance and his attempt from 20 yards was put out for a corner by the Sporting ‘keeper.
Gregory and John Pykett both had half-chances saved and as he got more into the game after sharing a nervous start with his team mates, Jason Cowley showed good skill on 26 minutes but put his shot over the bar.
However, it was Gregory who broke the deadlock on 31 minutes when Aaron Roberts floated over a pin-point cross from the right to the far post which the prolific striker nodded home from close range.
Four minutes later the away side survived a penalty appeal when Roberts looked to have clattered the lively Ryan Edmunds in the box but referee Mr Kidd ignored the shouts.
Three minutes after that, Sporting doubled their lead when again Roberts dropped a ball into the box that Gregory neatly flipped on to Cowley who was able to get behind the Coleshill back four and tap home from close range.
Sporting then completed a satisfactory first half with a third goal following Francis’ punt up-field that Gregory just about managed to control before sliding a pass to Cowley who again got behind the Colemen back four before burying his shot from eight yards out.
It was no great surprise that the home team came out for the second period more energised.
Joe Halsall had the best chance on the 51st minute but his attempt from ten yards out was blocked by Francis while ten minutes later Francis tipped over a 25 yard drive from the same player.
However Sporting gradually regained control of the game and on 69 minutes, Cowley was bundled over in the box by Danny Tymon and Mr Kidd pointed to the spot where Gregory made no mistake hammering into the middle of the net, giving Hathaway no chance.
Not to be outdone Coleshill also got a penalty with eight minutes remaining following a clumsy tackle by Francis on Halsall.
The Sporting ‘keeper dived low and parried Leek’s spot kick but former Rousler Liam Molesworth was on hand to hit home the rebound.
That gave Coleshill a lift and a second goal came just one minute before full-time when Edmunds crossed to Leek who sent a low angled drive past Francis.
Sporting, though, survived the last minute and added time to gain not just a victory but a considerable boost to their promotion and championship prospects.
