MANAGER Paul Smith is urging his Bromsgrove Sporting players for a quick reaction from their defeat to Haughmond ahead of this weekend’s Midland League Premier Division clash at AFC Wulfrunians.
Before their trip to the Shrewsbury Sports Village last Saturday, the Rouslers had not lost a league game since November 4 – a 3-0 defeat at fierce rivals Highgate United.
Carl Rogers opened the scoring for Haughmond in the ninth minute when his cross floated into the net before Richard Gregory levelled immediately after half-time.
Steven Hole and Scott Ryan then gave the fourth-from-bottom hosts a two-goal cushion with 20 minutes remaining.
Dan Preston pulled one back with six minutes to go but it was not enough as a below-par Sporting crumbled to defeat and Smith is hoping for a better performance tomorrow (Saturday) at the Castlecroft Stadium against 11th-placed Wulfrunians.
“Wulfrunians are a tough side but we cannot afford to lose two games on the trot,” said Smith.
“It is important we get back on the winning trail because we want to be challenging at the top end of the table.
“Without sounding disrespectful, I am not used to losing because wherever I have been losing has been a rarity.
“I do not want to get used to losing so it is important the players understand that and I will make sure their mentality is the same come Saturday.”
Meanwhile, Sporting have terminated the contract of former West Bromwich Albion professional Joe Ward by mutual consent.
Ward put pen to paper on a deal at the Victoria Ground in May but the midfielder has only made 13 appearance for the Rouslers, with eight of those coming from the bench.
With game time also limited due to a knee injury as well as running a fitness business, both Ward and Sporting have decided to go their separate ways.
“Joe is a really good footballer and a good lad to boot,” said Smith.
“The only problem we had is that he is not used to this level of football and the demands it brings.
“Sometimes it works out and sometimes it does not but we wish him all the best and I hope he does well in the future.”
In better news goalkeeper Chris Jay has been added to Sporting’s player roster after his registration forms were ratified by league officials.
The 29-year-old has been out of action for more than a year after recovering from a serious groin injury.
Jay made a second-half appearance in a friendly against Halesowen Town in December and once fully fit, he is expected to be vying for the No.1 shirt with Reece Francis.
“Chris is miles away in terms of full match fitness but he seems to be over the injury so we will be bringing him in slowly,” said Smith.
“The hope is he will get a few games with the reserves but it is a long road to recovery.”
