PAUL SMITH feels his Bromsgrove Sporting squad could be on their way to doing something special this season following their 1-0 victory over title rivals Leicester Road but insists hard work is key for it to be achieved.
Robbie Bunn’s 47th-minute strike was enough to secure the three points for the Midland League Division One leaders yesterday (Saturday) who have now gone 21 games unbeaten in the league.
The result follows what has has been a joyful January for Sporting as they firstly booked their place in the last 16 of the FA Vase with a 4-0 victory at Watford-based Sun Sports before claiming a remarkable 2-1 victory at fellow promotion hopefuls AFC Hinckley last Saturday.
And with Sporting being the highest-ranked non-league team yet to lose a league game this season and just three Vase rounds away from reaching Wembley, Smith believes his side could be on their way to producing something special but insists only hard work will allow it to be achieved.
“There’s a fierce edge to this side at the moment and they do not look like losing,” said the Rouslers boss.
“The players are taking great pride in the big zero in the loss column and there is a desire which has grown over the last month which I have not seen before.
“Each and everyone of the players on Saturday were outstanding and I did not think at any stage we would lose.”
When asked if Sporting could go the whole league campaign unbeaten, Smith remained coy on the situation but reiterated his belief in his group of talented individuals.
“This squad has the capability to do exactly what it wants to do,” he said
“They’re good enough to win games and beat anybody in this league and if they carry on with the same endeavor and work rate, keep grounded and take each game as it comes they could be doing something special – but hard work is key.”
Sporting will hope to continue creating history next Saturday (January 28) when they entertain Bristol Manor Farm in the last 16 of the FA Vase.
Manor Farm currently sit top of the Toolstation Western League (one above Midland League Division One) but Smith said the Rouslers have what it takes to reach the quarter-finals having already knocked out higher-ranked Sun Sports a fortnight ago.
“We could not wish to be in a better position,” he added. “The fans, the board, the management and the players are buzzing for it so much.
“It’ll be a huge occasion and like anything at the moment, the squad is tight and will go into the game full of confidence.
“Bristol Manor are top of the league in the level above but we have got rakes of confidence and we are geared up for it.
“We have got two good training sessions prepared this week [Tuesday and Thursday] so we’ll be ready to go next Saturday.”
