Bromsgrove

[DJ]

Southern League Premier Central – Monday, 26th August 2024

Bromsgrove Sporting 1 Halesowen Town 2

Halesowen came from behind with a wonder strike from Nat Kelly at former manager Paul Smith’s Bromsgrove to take a maximum six points over the Bank Holiday weekend, writes David Johnson.

Yeltz manager Russ Penn declared it the best performance of the season so far. “We had energy and our football was excellent. Barring the first fifteen minutes which was edgy, we controlled the game and [the win] was thoroughly deserved.” Penn added that the equaliser “came at a good time and deflated them. We controlled the second half and should’ve gone another goal up. We’ve got to be more clinical and put the game to bed.” As for Nat Kelly’s wonder strike Penn said “I’ve never seen a goal hit as sweet as that. I’m delighted for him.”

Halesowen made the early running kicking up the slope and the influential Josh Smile blazed over the bar following Conor Tee’s 5th minute free kick. Tee then fired high from another free kick on the edge of the area two minutes later.

But the Rouslers grabbed a 19th minute lead after former Yeltz midfielder Billy Shaw threaded a ball through the centre of the Yeltz defence for Charlie WRAGG to finish well past goalkeeper Dan Platt.

The Yeltz made an almost instant response to equalise three minutes later when Todd Parker found Kieren DONNELLY and he was allowed to turn in the penalty area to shoot past goalkeeper Charlie Price. Platt then prevented Bromsgrove regaining a 29th minute advantage with a point-blank save from Wragg in front of goal from Aksum White’s cross.

Halesowen went 2-1 ahead in the 35th minute with a rocket shot winner in an early contender for the goal of the season. Adi Yussuf put Donnelly in to force a corner and as the ball came out, KELLY thumped a thunderbolt into the top corner with goalkeeper Price left rooted to the spot. Seven minutes before the interval Price spilled a shot and Halesowen’s Ben Cassidy put the loose ball over the bar.

At the start of the second period controlled by the Yeltz, Yussuf volleyed over the bar on the turn and McKauley Manning struck a long range effort at Price.

The Yeltz then created four good opportunities to extend their lead. The Rouslers somehow survived a 54th minute goalmouth scramble after Donnelly’s attempt fell for Yussuf and, after his shot was saved, the ball bounced up near the bar with Donnelly, Yussuf and Tee all unable to convert. Captain Ryan Wynter’s powerful header skimmed the bar in the 56th minute and Manning’s deflected free kick just evaded Yussuf at the far post three minutes later. Manning then hit a low shot past the post in the 63rd minute and after a series of substitutions Tee shot at Price from 20 yards in the final minute of normal time.

Bromsgrove never seriously troubled Halesowen in the second half although the Yeltz defence had to hold firm from three consecutive home corners in the sixth minute of added time.

Bromsgrove Sporting: Charlie Price; Aksum White, Shay Palmer, Aaron Roberts (Theo Robinson 78), Ethan Patterson (Jack Newell 56), Jamie Melbourne, Luke Rowe (c), Billy Shaw, Reece King (Harry Crook 87), James Meddows (Kieran Cook 56), Charles Wragg. Sub Not Used: George Forsyth.

Halesowen Town: Dan Platt; Ben Cassidy (Reece Mitchell 84), Nat Kelly, Josh Smile, Ryan Wynter (c), Ryan Wollacott, Todd Parker, Conor Tee, Adi Yussuf (Ryan Boothe 78), Kieren Donnelly (Finley Holmes 71), McKauley Manning (Jak Hickman 82). Sub Not Used: Enock Lusiama Lokeba.

Referee: Gareth Davis Attendance: 1,310
Booked: Smile (16), Patterson (17), Rowe (33), Manning (45), Penn (53), Yussuf (74)

[Josh1873]

I can't recall two players being singled out for criticism so much and by so many on this forum before. I have seen nothing OTT and I pretty much agree with what has been said about Boothe and Yusuff. I just can't recall criticism being so unanimous on here, which tells you all you need to know. I saw more contribution from Finley Holmes in 20 minutes yesterday than I have from those two in the three games I've attended so far. They aren't up to the required standard, unfortunately.

Someone mentioned to me that Yusuff was Penn's main target in the Summer, and is on contract! That can not be true, can it?

As for the game, I thought we were superb, especially the first half, and we should have had a bigger lead at half time. The second half was a little flat, from both sides, but we managed to see out the game well enough with little threat from Bromsgrove, until the three desperation corners right at the end. It's certainly the best I've seen us so far. Points wise we've had a more than solid start to the season. I'm pleased with where we are, and we're one or two further additions from having a competitive and strong side.

One concerning trend that I find worrying is the fact we seem to switch off defensively when we're controlling a game and concede sloppy goals. Yesterday we conceded very much against the run of play, away to Redditch we were cruising at 2-0 and conceded a silly goal (albeit unfortunate deflection) and of course their equaliser was calamitous, and against Bedford we got one back, were on top and gifted a third away which killed the game.

[Scribbler]

Agree with the forward situation, but strongly disagree on how we are are playing!!! Too much hoofing up the park, bypassing the midfield, up to a 50% functioning front line….. the only bit of real football in the first half led to the goal…. Need more of it… second half the game became more open ,and we did look dangerous on the break, especially with KD and manning…. Then we take them off, bring on defenders and we invite them to attack….

[Simons]

Agree with the forward situation, but strongly disagree on how we are are playing!!! Too much hoofing up the park, bypassing the midfield, up to a 50% functioning front line….. the only bit of real football in the first half led to the goal…. Need more of it… second half the game became more open ,and we did look dangerous on the break, especially with KD and manning…. Then we take them off, bring on defenders and we invite them to attack….

Not sure as I would class Hickman as a defender. Donnelly was replaced by Holmes, so like for like. What I find strange is that in his interview, Russ Penn said he thought that Boothe did well when he came on.

[piearce9]

In defence to Russ, he's not going to hammer his own players in a post-match interview I suspect Boothe might make way once the Spanish acquisition (which nobody expected) gets up to speed. As for Yussef, I have a feeling he might be here a bit longer.

Overall, a nice performance yesterday and it seems like things are starting to come together. We have a system, some good balance in the side, and a few players of outstanding quality.

A big game to navigate on Saturday (take a draw all day long) - a decent result there would round off a pretty positive month overall.

[Josh1873]

Agree with the forward situation, but strongly disagree on how we are are playing!!! Too much hoofing up the park, bypassing the midfield, up to a 50% functioning front line….. the only bit of real football in the first half led to the goal…. Need more of it… second half the game became more open ,and we did look dangerous on the break, especially with KD and manning…. Then we take them off, bring on defenders and we invite them to attack….

Not sure as I would class Hickman as a defender. Donnelly was replaced by Holmes, so like for like. What I find strange is that in his interview, Russ Penn said he thought that Boothe did well when he came on.

I'm still waiting to see Donnelly play in defence. I'm told we signed him as a right back, and we've seen him play in every position but right back! I'm half expecting him to start in goal, if Platt picks up an injury or suspension, before we see him in defence

He's been outstanding in the first few games, btw.

[Josh1873]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E0rNAMstUE

Paul Smith on loss to Halesowen.

[piearce9]

KD does a very good job up top - I think he's one of our most influential players (if not, THE most influential). Defenders must hate playing against him as he is so quick and direct. It's also a good way to accommodate him in the side as we aren't playing that high winger role like we have done in recent seasons. Manning is the other casualty of that role, but he is superb at left wing back and can play central too.

[YeltzDoc]

the Spanish acquisition (which nobody expected)

[drummyb]

In defence to Russ, he's not going to hammer his own players in a post-match interview I suspect Boothe might make way once the Spanish acquisition (which nobody expected) gets up to speed. As for Yussef, I have a feeling he might be here a bit longer.

Overall, a nice performance yesterday and it seems like things are starting to come together. We have a system, some good balance in the side, and a few players of outstanding quality.

A big game to navigate on Saturday (take a draw all day long) - a decent result there would round off a pretty positive month overall.

Agree with all of that. He's giving Boothe a chance at least. With regards to Yussuf, he has clearly scored goals elsewhere, or we wouldnt have signed him. I think again, he has to be given time. Not set the world on fire yet, but cant write him off so soon. If it doesnt work, I dont think Russ is daft enough to just put up.