Bromsgrove Rovers pulled off their eleventh away win of the season at Halesowen on Saturday when they exactly repeated a 2-1 F. A. Cup victory which they gained on the Grove Park pitch back in September. The margin should have been more impressive, but Rovers finishing left much to be desired. Bromsgrove were firmly on top throughout but allowed them selves to be dragged off rhythm by the peculiarities of the pitch and woeful exhibition of targetry. Their scoring efforts were limited to one spectacular shot by half back Mel Adams after 17 minutes, and a penalty kick fifty minutes later. The second half yielded enough chances for at least three more goals.
Rovers had one of the Hellawell brothers back in action, but left winger John, who has equalled the club's scoring record, is not likely to be seen again on a Saturday. he has taken a job as a club steward, and has to be on duty on Saturday's.
The swift run of the ball on Halesowen's ground with its side to side slope foiled many of the Rovers' runs, and the home side's enthusiasm broke up other raids. Nicholls got in one useful glancing header, but Craddock was closely shadowed by the taller Culwick and Taylor had not the pace to carry him far.
Nevertheless it was the left wingers pass that Adams gathered to sweep Rovers into the lead with a nicely executed drive. Anderson at once replied with a smart shot for Halesowen. In a dash by Rovers Craddock headed home but was ruled offside. Within minutes of the interval Halesowen threatened again on the left and this time Anderson's low drive traveled clean through to level the scores.
Rovers looked much more aggressive after the change of ends but Nicholls, who had most of the chances, was often at fault. He began with a first time effort at a jab by Reynolds and the ball flew narrowly wide. Then he put Craddock through to skim the mark, and when he advanced on to a cross by Hellawell he saw the ball sail close. So there was some reward when the penalty came.
Nicholls was forging through from a pass by Broadbent when Pearson brought him down. The referee promptly pointed to the spot and Broadbent's penalty gave Yapp no chance. Nicholls had two other chances but put each wide.
Halesowen:- Yapp; Argent, Pearson; Taylor, Culwick, Cooper; Rushworth, Page, Pheasant, Fleet, Anderson.
Bromsgrove:- Hooper; Reynolds, Gwynne; Stafford, Wood, Adams; M. Hellawell, Broadbent, Craddock, Nicholls, Taylor.
Report courtesy of Bromsgrove Messenger |