"THE SPECTATOR" MATCH REPORT - BROMSGROVE MESSENGER
A VERY USEFUL WIN.
The Rovers were called upon to face one of the stiffest of their remaining fixtures on Saturday, when they entertained Halesowen at the Victoria Ground. The weather was favourable, and a gate of well over 2000 assembled. The visitors had been doing well, and, moreover, they are the team that administered a cheek to Bromsgrove in the opening match of the season last August. Still the Rovers had not been beaten at home since Cradley snatched victory by the odd goal in five on October 22nd, and they were not in the mood to make any concessions. A wonderfully fast and exciting game ensued. Halesowen certainly showed to better advantage in the first half, but they were up against a defence that was a firm as a rock, and nothing had been done at the interval. Then Bromsgrove gained the lead, the visitors equalised, and Crisps brace settled the business. A win by a smaller margin than 3-1 would have been satisfactory, and no one, on the run of the play, could have complained if the result had been a draw. Bromsgrove, however, won on the merits of their defence in withstanding the severe pressure of the first half.
Winning the toss, Bromsgrove chose to kick up the slope, and were the first to become really aggressive, Crisp hitting the upright with a hot one. W. Pearce, the Rovers inside-right, had to retire with a leg injury, and was crippled for the rest of the game. Hereabouts the home defence had to meet extensive calls. Several corners fell to the visitors. Hobday saved in turn from Salmon, J. Pearce, and Garrett. Weaver robbed Salmon when he looked dangerous, and Hobday effected a fine clearance at close quarters. Fowler, the visitors outside-right, was injured, and was off for a time. Hobday was called upon by Brassill and then Bromsgrove had a turn. A promising movement was commenced by Tongue, and Batchelor, Crisp and Pearce participated. the latter heading over. A pass from Crisp enabled Batchelor to get in a shot which Payne saved. The game returned to the lower end, and after Hobday had cleared from Garrett, a corner and a foul close in fell to the visitors. Hobday got the ball, away splendidly, and later Glazzard kicked clear in the nick of time.
The Rovers made a better show after the interval. Payne was tested by Batchelor and,Brassills elevation was too high at the other end. Crisp and Pearce gave Batchelor a wonderful opening almost in the mouth of goal, but somehow he contrived to lift the ball high over the bar. He fully atoned for this performance a few moments later when a similar chance came his way. This time he was coolness itself, and quietly placed the ball in the net out of Paynes reach. Halesowen were stung to renewed efforts, and shortly afterwards Brassill equalised from close in Bromsgrove returned, and Mason hit the upright. Both sides were playing hard for the lead. A corner to the visitors was followed by three to Bromsgrove, but no change came until a transfer from Batchelor gave Crisp an opening, and he scored with one of his expresses. A little later the issue was put beyond doubt, Crisp scoring again with another smashing shot from a pass by Pearce.
It was undoubtedly the defence that shone on Saturday. Hobday brought off some very fine saves, particularly in the first half, and home supporters will be pleased to note that he still retains his position as the custodian who has had the fewest goals scored against him in the Combination. The backs also were steady and true, and easily surpassed the opposing pair. All work came alike to Weaver: he could not be caught napping, and he certainly showed his finest form of the season. Jew was also at his best, rarely failing in his tackling, and kicking with strength and judgment. The halves were a splendid line. Mason played a grand game. and Brassill, who has been doing some wonderful scoring for Halesowen, was rendered comparatively harmless. Glazzard held a very strong wing. and lent useful aid at times to the defence. Gumbley was fully equal to last seasons Rover, Salmon, and his partner. The forwards did well under the circumstances. Pearce was lame the greater part of the match, and Trahearne had not fully recovered from his injuries of the previous week and was scarcely fit to play. Crisp, however, was back in his old form, and could not be denied in the second half. Batchelor played with great dash and pluck, and was worth his place on the days play. Tongue missed the full assistance of his partner, and was unable to give us what we are accustomed to expect from him. He was handicapped by having to play inside-right for the greater part of the time. |