B’grove Sporting F.C

Latest lockdowns scupper hopes of completing league season

Former Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson once quipped that a week is a long time in politics but it feels much longer in football.

Back in early December there was some hope that the season could be resumed and with a fair wind all league and cup matches could be completed.

Plans were made for a couple of friendlies to get Bromsgrove Sporting’s players match fit again then to start up the league fixtures in time for the

Christmas/New Year break, traditionally a time when there are bigger crowds and a chance to make a bit more income.

Alas lockdown two came along scuppering all the efforts and hard work of everybody involved. The league programme was suspended again but being in tier two (at the time) meant that Worcestershire clubs could play matches against clubs in the same tier subject to Covid-19 restrictions.

As league matches could not be played, a series of friendly matches were arranged against local teams playing for an unofficial trophy, The Red

Recruitment Cup. The first match went well for the Rouslers beating in-form

Redditch United 3-1 but then Worcester Raiders and Evesham United had to withdraw from the competition so a friendly against Stourport Swifts was arranged that Sporting also won, this time 2-0. The match against Alvechurch went ahead on Boxing Day with a maximum 600 crowd by Phil Baker where the visitors came from behind to draw 3-3. And that was that as no further matches have been possible due to lockdown three. At the time of writing the Southern League is asking clubs if they want to terminate the season as there is little chance of playing any matches before March and zero chance of completing the season. If that happens then there is a possibility of a few friendly matches later in the year but watch this space. The only player news is that Sporting legend Jason Cowley, who rejoined the club in October, is out on loan to Kidderminster Harriers who are still able to play their matches in The National League North albeit behind closed doors. Cowley has impressed so far coming off the bench against York City and scoring with a screamer to earn Harriers a point. Photos by Sporting’s Veterans, Women and Colts seasons are also suspended though the Chris Jepson Veterans did manage one match in December beating Aston Rangers 2-1. Updates about Bromsgrove Sporting FC can be found on the website

www.bromsgrovesporting.co.uk

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