ROUSLERS boss Paul Smith says the whole of Bromsgrove is buzzing ahead of the their huge game against title rivals Coventry United this weekend.
On Saturday, Sporting welcome their fellow league contenders United to the Victoria Ground for a titanic clash with the result potentially deciding where the Midland League Division One title will go come the end of the season.
Sporting moved back to the top of the table with a convincing 4-0 victory over Cadbury Athletic on Tuesday night, a result which saw them move one point clear of United having played two games more.
Smith said: “The whole of Bromsgrove is buzzing and the momentum is there.
“We have won 14 of our last 15 games and last night’s result was key; it was just what we needed.
“I’m excited by Saturday’s game against Coventry and so are the players.
“Bromsgrove and Coventry are two outstanding sides for this level of football and it will be a great gamel.”
The last time the two sides met came back in November when United claimed a narrow 3-2 victory.
But Smith told the Standard the outcome last year did not reflect his side’s performance on the day.
“If we could have played that game 10 more times, the outcome would have been different a whole lot different,” he added.
“We were the better side on the day and unlucky to lose but that gives us a boost ahead of Saturday’s fixture.”
A victory for Sporting would send them four points clear at the top but a defeat could swing the title race in United’s favour.
However, Smith insists nothing will be decided this weekend, regardless of the result.
“I have not even thought about defeat and I have not talked to the players about it,” he said.
“Obviously this weekend is a pivotal one but the title will not be decided on Saturday.
“Defeat would not bring an end to our title hopes but that’s not in our mindset.
“I will make sure the lads are in tip top shape with a relaxing training session tomorrow (Thursday) ready for the big game.
“We have the desire to win the league but we have 14 cup finals ahead of us, and if our players apply themselves we won’t go far wrong.”
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Sporting welcome back Luke Dugmore following six weeks out with a knee injury, Sam Wills and Jack Wilson return from work committments, while Nathan Walker will also be in line for a start despite picking up a leg wound against Cadbury Athletic.
