THE Rouslers suffered their first league defeat in 40 games when beaten by Midland Football League rivals Coventry Sphinx last Saturday, writes Ben Fox.

A lacklustre Bromsgrove performance last Saturday handed them the taste of league defeat for the first time in 16 months.

Bromsgrove were sloppy in the midfield and Aaron Roberts had to be alert to clear off the line after the ball was given away again.

On 20 minutes Sporting striker Gregory felt he was fouled by Sphinx keeper’ Scott Dutton but it was no interest of referee Harley McKittrick.

Sphinx took the lead on the 39th minute when a clever turn in the box from Chris Sterling allowed him to fire into the bottom corner.

Things got worse for the away side just before half time when keeper Reece Francis was sent for a dangerous challenge on the edge of the box.

Surprisingly Bromsgrove were a much better side in the the second half despite only having 10 men.

They pressed the Sphinx back line and forced them to drop deeper and deeper.

Although stand in keeper’ Roberts had to be alert to keep out a close range shot from Callum Woodward.

The introduction of Joe Ward and Sean Brain started to cause problems for The Sphinx and Dutton was in the way to keep out Robbie Bunn after being played in by Ward.

Dutton again denied The Rouslers tipping Gregory’s low free kick around the post.

Five minutes from time Bromsgrove were rewarded for their second half efforts when a hand ball in the box granted a penalty.

Unfortunately for 130 or so Sporting fans behind the goal, Ward got his spot kick terribly wrong and the ball dribbled past the post.

Coventry then put the game to bed as Sporting were light at the back which allowed Ryan Harkin to round Roberts and Slot into an empty net.

There was still time afterwards for Max Loveridge’s cross box shot to hit the post which summed up Bromsgrove’s day.