BROMSGROVE Sporting could still be dragged into the Southern League Premier Division Central relegation zone after a 2-0 home defeat to fellow strugglers AFC Sudbury.

The Suffolk visitors closed to within four points of 17th-placed Sporting with two games left.

Sudbury's potential great escape continued at the Victoria Ground with goals from Simeon Jackson and Joshua Allen, writes Max Banner.

Sporting's Billy Shaw had a shot from range easily saved by James Bradbrook in the 23rd minute.

Three minutes later they had a golden opportunity to take the lead but Ben Richards-Everton's header from Stan Anaebonam's cross was cleared off the line.

Soon after, Joe Neal had a shot blocked and Jackson hit the side-netting for the visitors.

Bromsgrove's Shaw and Miro Pais had chances late in the half to break the deadlock but neither could find the target with their attempts.

In the 62nd minute Shaw hit the bar with a strike from inside the area but just a minute later Jackson poked a ball into the area past Sporting stopper Ollie Taylor into the net.

With 20 minutes remaining Sporting were awarded a penalty for a handball offence.

Captain Luke Rowe stepped up to take it but saw his well-struck effort saved in fine style by Bradbrook.

Neal had a header saved in the 76th minute but the lead would eventually be doubled and the win sealed nine minutes later courtesy of a shot from Allen that Taylor made contact with before going in.

Bromsgrove head to play-off chasers Stratford Town on Saturday (3pm).

Sporting: Taylor, Derricott, Shaw, Rowe, Richards-Everton, Roberts, Soladami, Abimbola (Leachman-Whittingham 78), Pais, Anaebonam (Cooper 82), Blissett (Newell 73). Unused substitutes: Alamu, Bruck.

Referee: Mr D Hinton.

Sporting player of the match: Mark Derricott.

Attendance: 556.