Match Report: Bromsgrove Sporting 1 v 3 Littleton 02/02/2013

Midland Combination Premier Division Football Match Report

Bromsgrove Sporting 1-3 Littleton

02/02/2013

Reported by Conor Rees

Photos by Andre Roberts of Photos by Andre Roberts of http://www.harrierimaging.co.uk/ 

Second place Littleton close the gap on leaders Bromsgrove Sporting after Littleton striker Joe Lolley supplied two goals in his sides 3-1 victory at the Victoria ground.

Bromsgrove Sporting had the first effort on goal after some tricky footwork from Elliot Nash but caused very little trouble for Littleton goalkeeper Jack Dell.

Both sides defended well for the majority of the first half leaving very few chances up for grabs for either side, Bromsgrove defender Matt Ross being one such individual who made some crucial last ditch tackles to deny Littleton’s attack.

Littleton was the side who took the lead eight minutes from half-time with their first effort on goal. Joe Lolley’s use of skill and superb close control was causing Bromsgrove trouble from the start. Joe Lolley went through on goal on the far edge of the box, dribbled the ball past the goalkeeper and then slotted a low well placed shot into the far corner of the net.

Bromsgrove reacted well and tried to level the scores up with an attempt of their own before half-time but again the effort failed to prove any trouble for the Littleton goalkeeper.

Instead it was Littleton who found the net again before the break. Antonio Vernaschi was allowed to push the ball through on to his left foot due to a lack of pressure of the Bromsgrove defence and fired the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal to give Littleton a 2-0 lead at half time.

Sporting responded well in the second half and three minutes from the restart Jon Rogers brought Bromsgrove back into the game. A saved shot from the Littleton goalkeeper fell to substitute Jon Rodgers who was able to strike the ball into the net before the goalkeeper could react.

Bromsgrove applied a decent amount of pressure to the Littleton goal to look for an equaliser with Aaron Robert’s header coming close but again failing to create any threat.

Littleton had very little chances in the second period but still caused a threat. Littleton hit the post after a powerful low hit free kick from Martin Slevin in the 65^th minute.

Photo's by André Roberts

Bromsgrove continued to look for an equaliser with more efforts coming from Nick Harris and Nick Martin but Littleton’s defences stood strong and allowed very little to go through.

One through ball was able to get past the Littleton defence after they switched off from a quickly taken free kick. The pass put Jon Rogers in a 1 on 1 situation but his effort failed to find the net and was struck straight at the Littleton goalkeeper.

With all the Bromsgrove pressure Littleton was able to catch Sporting on the break. Joe Lolley received the ball and used and combination of pace and dribbling technique to beat the last Bromsgrove defender and go 1 on 1. He then copied his previous goal by beating the goalkeeper and put the ball into an empty net.

Joe Lolley had a really impressive game and created two outstanding goals, the second came in the 88^th minute and sealed all the three points for Littleton.

This is a very good result for Littleton after a fairly even game. Bromsgrove will be disappointed with the pressure they applied but still remain top of the division by 4 points. Second place Littleton have closed the gap and still have five games in hand over Sporting. Bromsgrove can’t afford to slip up again if they have any chance of promotion and need to win against 5^th place Nuneaton Griff next Saturday at the Victoria ground.