BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Brendan Kelly highlighted the importance of avoiding defeat over a crucial seven-day period for the Midland League Premier Division leaders.
Since taking over from Paul Smith who quit his position as first-team manager at the end of February amidst rows over a contract and how the club should move forward, Kelly has won his first two games in charge but is now in line for a tough run of fixtures.
The Rouslers entertain eighth placed Heanor Town tomorrow (Saturday) before welcoming title rivals Coleshill Town to the Victoria Ground on Tuesday night.
Sporting then make the trip to promotion hopefuls Sporting Khalsa the following Saturday.
“We have got a huge run of games coming up but everybody should embrace them,” said Kelly, who will be without defender Craig Jones (family commitments) on Saturday.
“This is why you plenty of time and effort into games where there is plenty riding on them.
“If we want to be successful you have to go through these kind of weeks.
“We will always set out our stall to achieve the optimum nine points but not losing will be just as effective.
“But the lads will not go in with that mindset and we will play to win every game, not draw them.”
Kelly will be without prolific striker Richard Gregory for the next three vital matches after he was sent off in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Coventry United for a trailing elbow.
Having netted 19 goals in 14 games there is no doubting Sporting will miss his presence but the Sporting boss is confident others can step up to the plate.
“Rich is a proven striker and he is going to be a huge loss given the form he has been in,” said Kelly.
“But we have got the likes of Sean Brain who is more than up for the task of stepping in and filling the void.
“There is no doubting we will miss Rich but the squad is good enough to maintain the high standards we have created.”
Kelly also revealed he was hopeful of bringing in further additions in time for Saturday after his midfield was decimated when Robbie Bunn (Littleton), Liam Holt (Sporting Khalsa) and Ahmed Ali (Haesowen Town) all departed just days after Smith quit as manager.
