ROUSLERS boss Brendan Kelly targets 92 points in his side’s push for the Southern Division One Central title, which continued with a 3-0 away win against Welwyn Garden City last weekend.
A goal from Richard Gregory on his comeback from injury got the ball rolling for Sporting, before Kieren Westwood’s goal before half-time and Will Heath’s second-half strike completed a comfortable win.
It was a win that sent Bromsgrove back to the summit of Southern Division One Central by a point, after Peterborough Sports could only manage a 1-1 draw with Didcot Town – but still have two games in hand on the Rouslers.
Kelly admitted it was a complete performance from his team, but revealed that it was not so easy prior to kick-off deciding on the team to step out onto the pitch in Hertfordshire.
“It was a very pleasing win, but it was one of the most difficult team selections I’ve had,” he said.
“I made four changes on Saturday, the players didn’t do anything wrong and had played their part in the recent wins, but the team were vindicated and got a big three points on the road in difficult conditions.”
The Bromsgrove manager believed the pitch was one of the most unkempt surfaces that his side have played on this season, but thought the players handled the surface well and still managed to play some good football.
It made it seven wins from seven for the Rouslers, having been unbeaten since mid-January, and Kelly was left delighted to have forward Richard Gregory back fit and firing for Sporting.
“It’s a really good boost to have Richard back, his link-up play has been excellent this season, and I thought he took his goal brilliantly after some good play.
“He gives us that extra edge in terms of options up front and in the experience that he adds to this side.”
Tom Taylor, Charlie Dowd and Nathan Hayward also returned to the side on Saturday, although Hayward was the only player not to finish the 90 minutes.
“They coped fine, there were no reactions from anyone, Nathan didn’t finish the game as a precaution, he felt a slight strain so we took him off.”
Kelly gave an update on striker Will Shorrock’s condition, who’s recovery is on schedule.
“He saw a consultant on Monday, we’ve left his recovery down to the club’s physiotherapy team and the bone is healing, which is the main thing.”
He also admitted his only focus is on making sure his side continue to fight for the title, in light of Peterborough Sport’s recent dropped points.
“We can’t control things elsewhere, the law of averages will say they do drop points further down the line.
“But there’s no easy games in this league and we can only look after ourselves.
“I’ve always said 92 points is our target, and if Peterborough get more than that total then hats off to them – they will have deserved it.”
Sporting look ahead to Saturday’s fixture against Corby Town at the Victoria Ground (3pm) against a side who sit third in the league.
The reverse fixture between the two side’s was a thumping 6-0 win for Corby, but Kelly concedes he won’t be looking for revenge when The Steelmen step foot in Bromsgrove.
“We capitulated on the night (in the 6-0 defeat), our preparation wasn’t great and was hampered for a number of reasons, we defended poorly in that game and they thoroughly deserved the win.
“Hopefully we’re far more resolute this weekend, and at home at the Victoria Ground we believe we can take on anyone and beat them.
“We’re bang in form, and from that we can only be confident on Saturday.”
