Romulus V Brocton (Premier Division)

Romulus were looking to bounce back from Saturday’s narrow 1-0 loss to AFC Wolverhampton City with a result against Brocton at Coles Lane. The Roms are rebuilding at step five under manager Ty Belford and have been competitive so far with notable wins against Winsford United and Stourport Swifts earlier this season.

They have also impressed in the MFL League Cup and beat division one side Bilston Town 7-1 away from home last Wednesday in the second round.   

It’s a squad that can cause teams problems on their day with the likes of Brad Mansell and Kyle Perry looking a threat in front of goal.

Brocton were looking to build on their encouraging 3-1 home win over Dudley Town at the weekend under manager Alex Curtis. The Staffordshire side were comfortably in mid table going into yesterday’s match and had been a tough side to beat with just four losses from twelve matches.

The Badgers were looking for their first away win of the season yesterday to move into the top half of the table. The visitors had been competitive on the road with notable draws against Northwich Victoria and Hanley Town.

There was a good away following for Brocton yesterday with the supporters making the mid-week trip to Sutton Coldfield and getting behind their team despite the challenging weather conditions. 

​Starting line ups

The starting line up for Romulus included Callum Smith starting in goal and Kyle Perry playing up front as the main striker. The formation looked like a 4-2-3-1 with Kyle Perry being supported by Logan Trainer and Alfie Taylor on the wings.

There were three changes from their match against AFC Wolverhampton City at the weekend with Reece Nunn coming into the team and playing in holding midfield alongside Charlie Gardener.

The starting line up for Brocton included Jack Sandel starting in goal and Christian Blanchette playing up front as the main striker. The formation looked like a 4-3-3 with Christian Blanchette being supported by Morgan Payne and Jude King on the wings.

There was just one change from their match against Dudley Town at the weekend with Morgan Payne coming into the team and playing on the left wing. 

First Half

Brocton got off to a quick start and took the lead in the opening few minutes of the first half.

Morgan Payne made a brilliant run down the left-hand side before sending a low ball across the box. Raphael Johnson tried to clear it at the back post before putting it into the bottom right corner for 1-0.

The visitors had the momentum following the goal and were causing Romulus problems in the opening twenty minutes. They looked sharp in possession with some encouraging build up play in the final third.  

Romulus gradually grew into the game as the first half went on and created a good chance on 17 minutes when Charlie Gardner found some space in the box before having a volley saved by Jack Sandel.          

Kyle Perry was playing as a target man up front and did a good job of holding up the play. He caused some havoc in the box following a good run to the back post. Brad Mansell reacted quickest to the second ball before finishing into the bottom left corner for 1-1 on 22 minutes.

Morgan Payne impressed for Brocton yesterday and was making things happen down the left-hand side. He created some space before having a shot tipped round the post by Callum Smith on 38 minutes.

Romulus also had a notable chance to take the lead when Kyle Perry played in Brad Mansell who ran through on goal with just Jack Sandel to beat. The Brocton keeper stepped up and made a crucial save to keep it at 1-1 on 41 minutes.

The visitors took the lead a few minutes later when Morgan Payne ran to the byline before cutting inside and finishing into the bottom right corner for 2-1.  

Brocton had the momentum in the closing stages of the first half and made it 3-1 thanks to a well worked corner that found Kenny Devoir who headed into the top right corner.  

Second Half

The second half was scrappy with not much action in front of goal. Both sides were limited to half chances until the final fifteen minutes.   

Brocton just shaded it and had some decent chances to extend their lead. Morgan Payne broke free down the left-hand side before having a shot go wide of the left-hand post on 66 minutes.

The Badgers also came close from a free kick from the edge of the box when Connor Haddaway had an effort hit the right-hand post and stay out in the 75th minute.    

Romulus were competitive and stayed in the match at 3-1 down to have a chance of getting something late on. Raphael Johnson was reading the danger well at centre back and made some good clearances to keep them in it.

Brocton looked well organised off the ball and limited Romulus to a couple of half chances until the final few minutes. Josh Simcox had a good game at left back and impressed for the visitors yesterday.

Romulus pulled a goal back late on thanks to a moment of quality up front. Ethan Clarke made a brilliant run into the box before producing a classy finish into the bottom right corner for 3-2 on 88 minutes to set up an exciting finish.  

The Roms were pressing for an equaliser and had a good chance down the right-hand side before Tom Vaughan made a vital clearance to break up the danger.

Brocton were able to see the match out in stoppage time for their first away win of the season.  

The win moves them into the top half of the table and five points off the play offs with a lot of the season left to play.

Upcoming fixtures

Romulus will be looking to bounce back against Warstone Wanderers (Home) in the JW Hunt Cup next Tuesday before returning to league action against Whitchurch Alport (Home) next Saturday.

They travel to league leaders Northwich Victoria on Tuesday 18th November before playing Lye Town at home on Saturday 22nd November.

Brocton will be looking to continue their momentum against Highgate United (Away) on Saturday before playing Lye Town (Home) next Saturday.  

They then play Rushall Olympic at home in the Staffordshire Senior Cup on Tuesday 18th November before returning to league action against 1874 Northwich (Home) on Saturday 22nd November.   

FT score: Romulus 2-3 Brocton

Man of the match: Morgan Payne (Brocton)

Attendance: 85

Match report written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League