BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith has singled out new signings Wade Malley and Duane Courtney as star performers throughout pre-season so far.
After joining from Racing Club Warwick, where he scored 28 goals in 41 appearances last season, 23-year-old Malley has netted four times in three games this summer.
His latest double came on Tuesday night in the Rouslers’ 5-0 victory at Boldmere-based Paget Rangers to make it three wins in a row.
Meanwhile, 32-year-old defender Courtney, who joined from Redditch United, has shown his vast non-League experience to ensure Sporting are yet to concede in pre-season.
“Wade has been absolutely tremendous,” Smith said.
“He is a very quiet lad who keeps himself to himself and so far he has done his job very well.
“He could not have started much better than he has; similarly, Duane has been equally as impressive.
“His strength and experience has added a new dimension to our defence.”
Smith is hoping more of his players can impress when they take on Redditch United at the Valley Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) before their trip to Alvechurch on Tuesday night (7.45pm KO).
Joe Ward, Ahmed Ali and Chris Lloyd, all of whom missed the game at Paget, are to return to the Sporting squad but Reece Hewitt (holiday) misses out.
“Being a local derby I expect fans from both clubs to turn up in their numbers but for me, it is just another game where we need to work hard,” Smith said.
“The squad I have assembled is more than capable of getting a result so I will be looking to continue our winning run.
“It is a game I am looking forward to, especially as it is the last one to be played on an artificial surface.
“As much as it is good to learn on those kind of pitches, we are looking forward to playing on proper grass pitches from now on.”
Meanwhile, Sporting will kick-off the 2017/18 season with an FA Cup extra preliminary round home tie against fellow Midland League Premier Division side Rocester on Saturday, August 5.
If the Rouslers progress, they will face either last season’s Premier Division runners-up Coleshill Town or West Midlands Premier Division side Wellington on Saturday, August 19.
“A home draw is all you can ask for and without sounding disrespectful, Rocester are a side we can beat on our day,” Smith added.
“It’s going to be a tough game especially as Courtney (holiday), Jordan Jones (holiday) and Aaron Roberts (suspended) will be missing.
“The FA Cup is a huge competition and the prize money is vast so it would be good to have a decent run in the tournament.”
