SMITH SWITCHES IT UP FOR SUCCESS NLP STAR

BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith believed a change in tactics contributed to their FA Vase second round victory over their fellow Midland League Premier opponents.

After a goalless first-half between two of the top three sides in the league, it was last season’s Vase semi-finalists who took the lead in the 70th minute when Jason Cowley nodded home at the back post.

But ten minutes later Khalsa were awarded a route back into the tie after Marvin Nisbett was fouled in the area but David Meese watched his penalty saved by Reece Francis.

Although Khalsa continued to press, Bromsgrove’s defence held firm and Smith was quick to praise the efforts of his players.

“In the last few weeks we have defended badly so we had to tighten things up,” he told The NLP.

“We tried a new formation which we had been working on in training and we defended brilliantly.

“I always knew it was going to be a one-goal game and we needed that bit of luck.

“It is a shame somebody had to lose as I have so much respect for Khalsa but I am over the moon to be in the next round.”

Khalsa started the brighter with David Meese and Craig Bannister watching efforts go wide inside the opening 20 minutes.

Meese then drilled over from the edge of the area six minutes later as the hosts cranked up the pressure.

But Bromsgrove were furious they were not awarded a penalty at the half-hour mark as Max Loveridge’s shot was deemed to have been handled by Liam Holt but referee Adrian Hall waved the appeals away.

This spurned the Rouslers into action, however, Mykel Beckley should have nosed Khalsa ahead right on the stroke of half-time but his drive from a tight angle flashed agonisingly wide of the far post.

Khalsa started the second period just like they did the first and Holt’s quick thinking to spot Francis off his line deserved a goal but his 35-yard volley was just about saved by the Bromsgrove stopper. The chances kept coming for the hosts, including a Bannister free-kick which hit the bar, but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 70th minute. Jack Wilson expertly picked out John Pykett on the far side whose high cross was headed home at the back post by Cowley.

But ten minutes later Khalsa had the prime opportunity to level when they were awarded a penalty after Reece Hewitt clumsily fouled Nisbett inside the area.

However, a superb save to his right from Francis denied Meese from levelling.

Khalsa tried to push for the equaliser but they could not break down a stubborn Bromsgrove defence.

Disappointed Khalsa manager Ian Rowe said: “I am devastated. Bromsgrove scored from their one and only chance of the game.

“We had chances straight afterwards, including the penalty, to get back into it but it is what it is.

“There are fine margins in football and unfortunately we were on the wrong side of that line.

“I hate defeat but I wish Bromsgrove all the best.”