BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith felt like he had been on an emotional rollercoaster last night as his side reached the final of the Worcestershire Senior Urn with a 6-5 victory over Littleton.
A last gasp goal from Connor Collins ensured the Rouslers will now meet either Alvechurch or Highate United in the final, with the other semi-final contest being held on Thursday, February 25.
In a game which saw Littleton lead three times, Sporting showed great character to dig in deep and snatch a narrow victory right at the death.
And for Smith, last night events proved to be too much to handle.
“It’s great to reach the final but I was a bit of a nervous wreck,” he said.
“It was touch and go really, we did not play well which gave Littleton a chance.
“Both defences played poorly which is why we saw a goal-fest.”
Despite the victory, Smith was concerned that going into two big league games against Lichfield City on Saturday (February 6) and Nuneaton Griff the weekend after (February 13) at the Victoria Ground, his side must step up their game.
“The players in the dressing room were cheering but I went barmy,” he said.
“That was our worst performance over the last two months. It’s not the first time we have conceded five this season and we could have lost.
“We have to raise our game going into the next two weekends because we cannot play like how we did last night against teams in the top four.
“Obviously you never want to concede that many goals in a game. Our defence has been very good as late so let’s just hope it’s a one-off situation.”
After claiming the Les James Challenge Cup last season, and with the opportunity of playing against his former club Alvechurch in the final, Smith maintains his target is to improve every year.
“It’s brilliant that I could be facing Alvechurch in the final, I’m over the moon,” he said.
“However, I want to try and equal or improve on last year. It’s not just about playing my old side.
“This year, at a minimum, I would like to equal what we achieved last season.
“We will be going into the final as underdogs, regardless of who we meet, but on our day we are good enough to win it.”