Lichfield City FC missed out on the chance to return to the top of the table after a tough encounter with pacesetters Bromsgrove Sporting.

The clash of the leading pair in the Midland Football League Division One was always destined to be a tight encounter and so it proved as just a single goal separated the two sides.

A frantic opening saw both teams pressing without creating any real chances, with City keeper Amrick Virdee making a comfortable save from a header.

But it was first blood to Bromsgrove on 18 minutes when Jason Cowley tucked home after neat work down the right hand side.

Marley Hamilton had a glorious opportunity to level, but could only rifle his effort over the top.

Lichfield were desperate to get back on level terms and saw Jordan Evans denied by a header before Hamilton sent the follow up wide of the target.

Dave Langston was forced into a first half change when a head injury saw defender Dan McLeod forced off but City’s backline held firm to keep the deficit at one goal going into the break.

A scrappy second period saw chances at a premium, although Luke Chapman will feel he should have done better after volleying over following a punch from the Sporting keeper.

Virdee was also being kept active at the other end as both sides continued to slug it out.

But it was Bromsgrove who hung on to extend their lead at the top of the table as Lichfield slipped to third.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.