FLOWERS BOWS OUT ON A HIGH
BROMSGROVE Sporting secured their Premier Division status with a game to spare thanks to a deserved victory at Stratford Town – before manager Tim Flowers revealed it was to be his final match in charge.
Goals from Billy Shaw and Tyrone Barnett wrapped up the win, which dented Stratford’s play-off hopes, the Bards scoring a late consolation through Tyrell Hamilton.
And former England goalkeeper Flowers, previously in charge at Gloucester City, revealed: “The brief when I came in was to keep us in the league.
“The team was obviously on a downer at the time and there was a split in the dressing-room which we needed to mend. But there is a real spirit among the players now and to do that in ten games is not easy.
“I’m delighted for the players and the board of directors, who have had my back, and also for the supporters who have been wonderful. You don’t want to get relegated. We looked like we were going to do it at a canter four weeks ago but then we’ve had four defeats so it is great to finally get the job done.
“I would have loved to have stayed at the club but it’s not to be. I’ll now be looking for a job – I know Step 3, Step 2 and the National League so I’ll just be keeping my eyes peeled.”
In a first half of few chances, it was the visitors who dominated early on with Shaw’s first-time shot forcing a save from Callum Smith.
It was no surprise when they opened the scoring on 23 minutes. Aaron Roberts picked out the unmarked Shaw, who had time to curl a shot beyond the Stratford keeper.
The home side improved as the half wore on and Lewis Ison had an effort blocked by keeper Ollie Taylor’s legs but the Rouslers doubled their lead on 53 minutes when the ball was played in for Nathan Blissett, who got the better of his marker and fired across Smith and into the far corner. A pointblank save denied substitute Hamilton from halving the deficit but the forward made amends in the 89th minute when his shot was deflected up and over Taylor.
The Bards then had a chance to salvage a point deep in added time but Jack Storer’s header in front of goal lacked power and direction.
Bromsgrove are expected to announce their new manager ahead of their final game of the season at home to Barwell with former Halesowen Town boss Paul Smith thought to be the front-runner.
Sporting are now five points clear of the drop with one match remaining.
Flowers has also been boss of Stafford Rangers, Solihull Moors, Macclesfield, Barat net and Stratford as well as Gloucester and two caretaker spells at Northampton Town.