GOALSCORER Liam Holt believed kicking towards the fans in the famous Shed End in the second half played a huge part in Bromsgrove Sporting’s dramatic comeback against Worcester City on Boxing Day.
A bumper crowd of 1,672 filled the Victoria Ground for the tenants versus landlords clash which saw the Blue and Whites race into a 2-0 half-time lead, thanks to goals from Jordan Stoddart and former West Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes.
Hughes then netted 29 seconds into the second period to put City into what seemed an unassailable lead.
But nobody could have foreseen what was to happen next in this mouthwatering Midland League Premier Division clash.
Richard Gregory pulled one back four minutes later before Jason Cowley set up a tense finale, curling home a left-footed shot with 21 minutes remaining.
At this point in the game Holt believed Sporting could go on to secure an almighty comeback.
“It was a terrible first half for us and we deservedly got a telling off from the gaffer (Paul Smith) and the assistant (Brendan Kelly),” he said.
“We did not start any better in the second half but we rolled our sleeves up, got one back and we knew they were there for the taking.
“And once we got the second we knew we were going to get another chance but it depended if we were going to take it or not.”
Fortunately for Sporting, they were given the prime opportunity to level with little over ten minutes remaining when Holt was clumsily brought down in the area by Stoddart, giving referee Liam Corbett little choice but to point to the spot.
And the newly-signed 26-year-old from Sporting Khalsa dusted himself down to convert from 12 yards out, firing the ball right into the bottom right-hand corner to make it 3-3.
With such pressure on his shoulders kicking in front of the infamous Shed End where cohorts of City fans were standing, Holt admitted he had a few nerves.
“I could see a few City fans staring at me which was quite intimidating,” he said.
“But I am confident enough to take penalties as I have scored plenty in my time and it was great to find the back of the net.”
Reflecting on what was truly a great advert for this level of football, Holt believed the Sporting faithful played their part in the remarkable fightback.
“That was probably the biggest crowd I have ever played in front of,” he added.
“The fans were singing their hearts out and it definitely helped us out.
“When you are at 3-0 down and they’re screaming ‘green army’ you want to go for it no matter what.”
With things now set up nicely for the reverse fixture on New Year’s Day between the two fierce Worcestershire rivals, Holt stressed the Rouslers will have to come out the blocks fastest on Monday afternoon to claim victory.
“Worcester are on the back foot straight away after throwing away a 3-0 lead,” he said.
“And if we can start like they way we finished on Monday then I think we should win comfortably.”
Holt has settled in nicely after signing from fellow league rivals Khalsa to replace the injured Liam Spink, who is out for the season after breaking his leg in a Birmingham Senior Cup tie against Nuneaton Town last month.
The former Rugby Town, Chasetown, Lichfield City, Rocester, Romulus and Gresley man has scored twice in three games, both from the spot, and is looking forward to enhancing his reputation at Sporting.
“Bromsgrove is a great club to be at,” he said.
“I would not have gone to any other club in this league or the league above because I was very happy at Khalsa.
“Coming here was a good opportunity for me and one I could not turn down.
“And hopefully I can take that opportunity with both hands.”
