MERRICK NOTCHES HAT-TRICK AS THE ROVERS STROLL HOME
A hat-trick by Neil Merrick and two penalty goals by Peter Broadbent gave Bromsgrove Rovers a safe passage into the next stage of the Worcestershire Senior Cup when they met Halesowen at the Victoria Ground on Wednesday night. The Rovers began as firm favourites but it took them more than half-an-hour to stamp their authority on a game that produced a rather colourless first half apart from two goals scored by Merrick.
During this period Halesowen got themselves into some awful scrapes, but it was more of their own doing than the result of any penetrative effort shown by Bromsgrove. Merrick’s first goal came from a centre from Keith Smith. The ball skimmed along the crossbar and Neil was there to head it home. Four minutes later his second goal arrived from a centre by Alan Craddock.
Halesowen who have only won twice this season, were not idle and their new centre-forward Beasley been given more support he might have secured more than the one goal he scored. Shortly before the interval further misfortune befell Halesowen, losing Page, their left-back, who suffered a serious head injury. He had to be taken to Bromsgrove Cottage Hospital for treatment.
The dull first half was soon forgotten in a bright and interesting second period that produced five goals. Halesowen fought back gamely. They brought on Taylor for Page and when Beasley got their first goal in the 65th minute they sensed they were in with a chance. Seconds later Anderson, a sprightly winger, hit the bar with a strong drive, but their hopes took a set back when Taylor held Craddock as he was going through and Broadbent made no mistake from the resulting penalty.
Halesowen, however, never stopped trying and White, another energetic striker notched their second. Stafford, who came on for Keith Smith, made the move which brought Merrick his hat-trick, and Broadbent netted from another penalty after Childs had been tripped, there was little time for further effort.
Bromsgrove:- Hooper; Buxton, Gwynne; Verdi, Wood, Broadbent; Smith (Stafford), Childs, Craddock, Merrick, J. Hellawell.
Halesowen:- Barratt; Labram, Page (Taylor); Thomas, Turner, Cooper; Boswell, White, Beasley, Coupland, Anderson.
Report courtesy of Bromsgrove Messenger. |