SPORTING boss Paul Smith believes the prospect of winning the Les James Challenge Cup has given his players extra motivation to finish the season strongly.
The Rouslers will meet either Southam United or Littleton at the Bescot Stadium on Wednesday, May 6 after beating Coventry Copeswood 2-0 in last Saturday’s semi-final.
Smith said he feared Bromsgrove’s campaign would “fizzle out” after losing ground on leaders Highgate United in the fight for the Midland Football League Division One title.
But he admitted his side’s exploits in the cup have given his players a massive boost ahead of trips to Studley tomorrow (Saturday) and Pershore Town on Monday.
“It is a massive moment for the club, so hopefully we can go to the Bescot and win the thing,” Smith said.
“With Highgate now having one hand on the league trophy, I thought the season might have fizzled out. But having now won the semi-final, it is now full steam ahead.
“The players now know that places are up for grabs for the Bescot game on May 6 so between now and then every player is going to be giving their all to try and get into that squad.
“That will be an added boost to us for our last nine games of the season because they will be trying their hardest to make sure they are in that 16 for the cup final which I think will improve our performances going forward.”
Smith said he also believes back-to-back victories over the Easter period could reignite Sporting’s promotion push as they currently trail Highgate by seven points.
“Although performances aren’t where I want them to be, results have been back to where they were around the Christmas and New Year period,” he said.
“Now we are coming towards the business end of the season, it is a good time for that to be taking place.
“We have got Studley on Saturday, which is my old side, and Pershore, who are on the back of a seven game winning streak, on Monday.
“If we can pick up six points from those two we are right back into the mix again, especially with Highgate playing Hinckley on Saturday.”
