FOOTBALL: HIGHGATE recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time this season as league leaders Bromsgrove Sporting were swept away by Ashley Pulisciano’s men, writes John Townley.
After playing away on the last four occasions, Highgate knew they had to translate their good form on the road into this home fixture.
Pulisciano made two changes to the starting 11, which saw Aaron Brown and Duane Courtney – coming back after a lengthy period on the side-lines – replace Reece Staley and George Robbins.
In form forwards Marco Addagio and Lei Brown kept their places heading the Gate attack.
In spite of Jason Cowley’s early pressure on the Highgate defence, the newly formed backline martialed the prolific attack of Bromsgrove throughout.
However, the early stages were dominated by the home side who struck first on 24 minutes as Addagio scored his first goal in three games.
Well constructed on the left wing, Connor Mooney’s accurate delivery was matched with an expert finish, as Gates’ number nine moved towards the near post to meet the cross and steer past Reece Francis in the Bromsgrove goal.
Highate would deservedly led 1-0 going into the break.
An unwanted theme of Highgate’s season remained as Pulisciano’s men struggled to kick on from where they left off going into half time.
As Gate rode the Bromsgrove storm, Josh Hawker expertly delivered a corner on the left-hand side to assist Duane Courtney’s first – and more importantly Highgate’s second – goal.
The game was put to bed ten minutes later as Addagio bagged his second of the afternoon.
Impressive vision from Scott Rickards meant the forward could sweep beyond Francis for Highgate’s third.
Despite the games conclusive nature, Bromsgrove pulled a goal back in the 88th minute, to the disappointment of Bradley Catlow and Highgate’s resolute defence.
Cowley was allowed too much space 20-yards from goal as his speculative effort dipped beneath the bar and Catlow.
Highgate remain 13 points off a promotion place.
Gate are next in action this Saturday against Worcester City in the second round of the FA Vase.
Elsewhere Highgate will face Burton Albion in the Birmingham Senior Cup on Wednesday, November 22, at 7.45pm.
