MANAGER Paul Smith has issued a rallying cry for as many Bromsgrove Sporting fans as possible to get down to Thatcham Town for this weekend’s FA Vase last 16 clash.
The Rouslers make the trip to Berkshire on Saturday to take on the Hellenic League Premier Division leaders who have won their last 18 games on the bounce in all competitions as well as scoring 130 goals at this stage of the campaign.
After last season’s cup run to the semi-finals captured the imagination of the town, with thousands packing the Victoria Ground to see games against Bristol Manor Farm, Buckland Athletic and Cleethorpes Town, Smith hopes fans will travel in their droves to Waterside Park.
More than 300 fans made the trip to witness Sporting beat Wisbech Town 3-1 in the previous round and the Sporting boss told the Standard their support will be crucial.
“The fans are huge for us,” said Smith.
“If we start well they will be right behind us and that is exactly what we need.
“The fans were a massive factor for us at Wisbech because it was a very intimidating place to go to.
“It is very important the fans get behind us like they have done in previous rounds because the players get a huge buzz off that support.
“Thatcham is only about one hour and 15 minutes away so if we can get as many fans as possible down there it will be great for the boys.”
Sporting will be in a confident mood ahead of their cup tie after claiming back-to-back Midland League Premier Division victories.
After dispatching AFC Wulfrunians 2-0 at the CKW Stadium on Saturday, the Rouslers thumped Coventry Sphinx 5-1 at the Victoria Ground on Tuesday night, a win which brought an end to Sphinx’s 13-game unbeaten league run.
Smith has also had Thatcham scouted twice and believes the winner on the day will be the team which performs best.
“Thatcham are very energetic, full of pace and lethal in the final third,” he said.
“But my scout has spotted a few weaknesses so we will work on those and hopefully we will be ready for Saturday.
“You only have to look at their form to show how good of a side Thatcham are but take nothing away from my boys because they are a great bunch, especially for the level of football we are at.
“Hopefully if we go down there and we do our jobs properly, I set the team up right and the lads perform, I am confident we can get a result.”
