BROMSGROVE Sporting must tighten up at the back, insists assistant boss Martyn Sockett.

With manager Paul Smith away on holiday, Sockett was at the helm as the Rouslers were edged out 3-2 by in-form Midlands Football League Division One rivals Uttoxeter on Saturday.

James Curley's 91st minute winner came against the run of play as Sporting had battled from 2-0 down thanks to strikes by Reece Hewitt and Craig Jones and had been in the ascendency.

"We need to defend better as a team," said Sockett.

"We actually played well, we had chances to score in the first half but conceded two goals.

"In the final 15 minutes of the first half, we were on top and Reece scored a very good goal to get us back into it..

"I couldn't count how many corners we had and it was no surprise that we equalised.

"We looked in control but Uttoxeter played a hopeful ball forward to take the pressure off but it missed everyone and they managed to score.

"People can blame a lack of fitness or a lapse in concentration, but sometimes it can be a one-off mistake,"

Bromsgrove will be looking to bounce back when they go to Heather St Johns on Saturday (3pm ko).

Tuesday's game against Pelsall Villa has been switched to the Victoria Ground (7.45pm ko).

Danny Morris remains a doubt with a slight strain which saw him miss out completely at the weekend, while Toby Checketts picked up a slight groin problem.

Meanwhile, midfielder Luke Shearer has joined Premier Division side Alvechurch.

Sockett added: "Alvechurch are from a higher level but we'll be keeping on eye on Luke because he's got all the attributes to become a very good players over the next two or three years."