Bromsgrove Res 3 - 2 Boldmere St. Michaels
The Mikes Reserves lost their 100% record at a sweltering Victoria Ground. In a scrappy affair dominated by the strong breeze and a bone hard bumpy pitch, passing football was at a premium.
Kicking down the slope, Rovers were first to threaten, and took an early lead when the Mikes failed to clear their lines following a corner.
The Mikes responded well, looking dangerous on the break, with Johaine Thompson prominent in their best attacking play. It was Thompson who brought the Mikes level, getting the better of Rovers’ keeper as he chased a through ball, guiding a deft shot into the unguarded net as he was challenged by a covering defender.
Cam Fowler and Matty Whitehouse both drove shots well over as the Mikes pressed forward, but their play was too often characterised by a poor final delivery from wide areas.
The Mikes took the lead before half time thanks to their own corner kick move. Danny Jones delivery to the far post was headed back into the danger area by skipper Neil Hanlon. Rovers half-cleared the loose ball, before it was slotted back in to Steve Hackner, who calmly rolled the ball past the advancing keeper into the far corner.
Rovers stormed back and forced four corner kicks in succession. The Mikes defended them resolutely to maintain their lead. Bromsgrove began the second half with renewed vigour, and started to dominate the contest as the Mikes never really got going. However, it was the Mikes who created the first clear chance of the half, with the keeper making a fine block after Jorma Seabourne’s driving run sliced through the home defence.
It came as no surprise when Rovers equalised midway through the half with a headed goal from a well flighted set piece. It was soon 3-2, as the Mikes were caught by a quick counter attack. The game became more open as Boldmere chased the game. Seabourne fired a free kick over from a decent position, and that was the last sight of goal on a disappointing afternoon. Boldmere Reserves:
1. Rob Clarke; 2. Mark Rickards; 3. Jorma Seabourne; 4; Steve Hackner; 5. Neil Hanlon; 6. Ceiran McLean; 7. Cam Fowler; 8. Matty Whitehouse; 9. Johaine Thompson; 10. Junior Bennett; 11. Danny Jones.
Subs:
12. Kallum Blake (Bennett); 14. Tom Hemming (for Jones); 15. Jamel Wilson (Rickards).
