BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith has urged his players to improve their goal to chance ratio ahead of this weekend’s Midland League Division One opener.
After winning seven out of seven pre-season games and progressing to the preliminary round of the FA Cup following a 3-0 victory over Heath Hayes courtesy of goals from Nathan Walker, Craig Jones and Jack Wilson, the Rouslers finally get their league campaign underway on Saturday with a home fixture against Southam United.
Sporting started the previous campaign against United but were left frustrated as they were held to a 1-1 draw.
This time around, Smith is hopeful his side can get off to a flying start in their bid to secure promotion but insists his players need to take their chances as and when they come.
“I was very pleased with the performance against Heath Hayes but if we had taken our chances, we could have made it a lot easier on ourselves,” he said.
“Sean Brain was top draw and could have had a hat-trick by half-time and Chris Conway and Chris Lloyd also had chances in the second half but didn’t take them.
“Those who watched us last year will know how disappointed we were with the 1-1 draw against Southam and once again we’ll be favourites being at home and with the squad we have but I am more than confident if we take our chances we will win.
“I’m expecting a huge turnout from the incredible fans and we have to get them on our side early by putting on a performance similar to the ones we have put on throughout the summer.”
Ahead of Sporting’s opening league game, Smith will be without Ryan Spink (anterior cruciate ligament), Luke Dugmore (broken leg) and skipper Craig Jones (away) while first choice keeper Chris Jay replaces Neil Leech after returning from holiday.
Robbie Bunn is also expected to be involved but Aaron Roberts and Keenan Meakin-Richards remain suspended for one and three games respectively.
Elsewhere, left-sided midfielder Daniel Ludlow has dual signed for West Midlands (Regional) League outfit Cradley Town while young central midfielder Dean Fisher has joined fellow Midland League Division One side Studley.
Smith added: “We have got a lot of central midfield options so I can’t accommodate Dean in the first team but I will keep a close eye on him.
“Likewise, Daniel has impressed in pre-season but he needs more matches to improve his sharpness.
“However, the pair do remain in my plans for the new season.”
