Football
Sporting’s derby joy

BROMSGROVE Sporting took the derby honours at the Victoria Ground on Boxing Day when running out 4-1 winners against Fairfield Villa in Midland Combination Division One.

In front of a bumper crowd of 515, Sporting set out on a revenge mission after Villa won the only previous meeting between the sides in a cup match earlier in the season.

The hosts took to the field with new right back Karl Fellows in the team whilst former Villa keeper Tom Savage returned in goal.

Martin Keight lined up for Villa having played at Sporting earlier in the season whilst there was also a warm welcome for former Rover Steve Frost, now plying his trade in Fairfield’s back four.

Unfortunately for Frost it was not an auspicious start as he gave Sporting the lead on six minutes when putting the ball into his own net.

Kevin Banner doubled the advantage after 20 minutes with a well-taken effort from 20-yards whilst the impressive Jon Rogers made it 3-0 against his former club when striking four minutes later.

Although Sporting dominated the majority of the first half they did not have it completely their own way and after the break Villa pushed hard to get back into the contest.

They gave themselves a lifeline when substitute Nick O’Connell pulled one back in the 57th minute but Rogers’ second of the game nine minutes later effectively put the game beyond their reach.

So disappointment for Fairfield who were hoping to build on their impressive win against league leaders Blackwood the week before whilst for Bromsgrove, the first points in the three games and a more solid looking performance.

The victory leaves Sporting sixth in the table, two points behind third place, whilst Villa remain 11th.

Sporting are at home again tomorrow (3pm) when Inkberrow visit in the Evesham Hospitals Cup whilst Villa will bid to bounce back at home against in-form Lichfield City (2pm).

The two teams are also in action on Monday when Villa travel to Droitwich Spa for another local derby whilst Sporting travel to bottom of the table Northfield. Both games kick off at 2pm.

Buy photos» Joe Ford clears off the line during the Boxing Day derby. Picture by Rob McLaren. Buy photos» Steve Frost goes close for the visitors. Picture by Rob McLaren. Buy photos» Jon Rogers makes it 3-0 at the Victoria Ground. Picture by Rob McLaren.