Sporting 2, Buckland Athletic 0

SPORTING booked their place in the semi-final of the FA Vase with a vintage Victoria Ground victory over Buckland Athletic.

The clash, the biggest in Sporting's short history, became a tale of two halves and two penalties.

Buckland had the better of things in the opening period but passed up their best chance of the game when Lloyd Gardner's spot kick was kept out by debutant Rouslers keeper Nathan Vaughan.

Bromsgrove came out firing in the second half to secure a memorable win in front of nearly 3,000 fans.

First Liam Spink converted from the spot on the hour mark before half time substitute Chris Lloyd doubled their advantage with 15 minutes left on the clock to take them to within one round of Wembley.

It was Sporting that worked the first chance of the contest as Robbie Bunn saw an effort deflected into the side netting after just six minutes following a good run near the byline.

Craig Jones then headed weakly at visiting keeper Grant Fisher a minute later as Sporting showed their intent.

However, despite those few early sighters, it was Buckland that were to work the best chances of the half.

Simon Laughton, up from the back for a free kick, was on hand at the far post to turn the ball home on 15 minutes. He wheeled away in celebration but quickly found his joy halted by the flag of the assistant on the far side.

Buckland then passed up a chance to go ahead from the penalty spot on 20 minutes after Richard Groves was fouled in the box by Aaron Roberts.

Lloyd Gardner stepped up to take and fired low to the left of debutant keeper Nathan Vaughan.

The stopper, brought in from Solihull Moors just days before the clash, got across his goalmouth well to keep the scores level.

Buckland continued to show their attacking intent heading towards the break.

In contrast, Sporting will have been frustrated not to get lively Jason Cowley into the game more in the first period.

The start of the second half was a scrappy affair as both sides battled for a foothold, though chances were few and far between.

Bunn drilled an effort well off target on 58 minutes as Sporting suddenly found more space in midfield. The chance was never troubling Fisher but it was a sign the hosts were forcing their way on top.

The Rouslers then won a penalty of their own on the hour mark to break the deadlock.

Reece Hewitt beat Grant Fisher to the ball and went down under the challenge of the keeper as the ball ran away from goal.

The ref quickly pointed to the spot and Spink stepped up to succeed where Buckland had failed and fired home to hand his side a valuable lead.

Buoyed by the opener, Sporting were suddenly enjoying more of the ball and it wasn't long before Cowley was able to race in behind the Buckland back line.

He sprinted onto a ball over the top on 67 minutes but saw a low effort denied by the legs of Fisher.

Lloyd latched onto the rebound but had his follow up effort blocked.

Still Sporting came forward and Bunn rattled the cross bar after meeting Roberts' ball in from the right with a fine volley.

The Rouslers doubled their advantage on 75 minutes through super sub Lloyd.

He got in behind the defence after a well weighted ball over the top, took a touch to steady himself and fired expertly across Fisher.

Buckland tried to find an answer through Jared Lewington on 84 minutes but his effort was deflected just wide.

Instead it was Sporting who should have wrapped things up two minutes later when Cowley crossed for the unmarked Lloyd. But, with just the keeper to beat, he dragged his effort just the wrong side of the post.

In the end it wasn't to matter as Sporting saw out the closing stages to chalk up a historic success.

They will now look to tomorrow's draw to find out who their semi-final opponents will be.

The first leg of the semi-final will be held on Saturday, March 11 with the second leg taking place a week later.

Sporting: Vaughan, Roberts, Morris, Ali (Lloyd 45), Jones (c), Edwards, Spink, Bunn, Cowley, Wills (Meakin-Richards 62), Hewitt (Tibbetts 88).

Unused Subs: Nicol, Craine.

Buckland: Fisher, Walters, Drew, Rudge (Revell 61), Laughton, Head (c), Griffiths, Groves, Johansen, Lewington, Gardner.

Unused Subs: Green, Perring, Buckler, Laight.

Att: 2,984