BRACH CAN’T DENY SPORTING

CHRIS LLOYD’S blockbuster ultimately sealed Bromsgrove Sporting’s safe passage in the FA Vase, but Tipton Town put up a brave fight.

The hosts had keeper Mark Brach to thank for largely keeping the Rouslers, who netted 13 goals in the last round against Ellistown & Ibstock, at bay but the in-form stopper could do nothing when Lloyd cut in from the right and blasted high inside his left upright after 58 minutes.

Higher-ranked Bromsgrove were on the front foot from the outset, with Tony Clarke’s header forcing a tenth-minute save from Brach.

Danny Ludlow was next to chance his arm with a cross-shot that almost deceived the Tipton stopper at the near post.

Paul Smith’s men continued on the front foot but goalmouth action was at a premium as the opening 45 minutes fizzled out amid a brief flurry of bookings.

Lloyd’s screamer eventually separated the sides and Smith immediately made three changes in a bid to take the game away from Tipton.

But it was Lloyd who was agonisingly close to doubling Sporting’s lead with a volley that was destined for the back of net before Brach swatted over.

Having stayed in the game, Town pressed for a leveller and had their moments late on but to their credit, Bromsgrove were resolute and gained the result their dominance had warranted.