MANAGER Paul Smith has said Bromsgrove Sporting must keep the pressure on title rivals Highgate United.

The Rouslers face two away games over the next week as they look to maintain the pressure on the leaders of the Midlands Division One.

Bromsgrove, who also went to Coventry Copsewood on Tuesday night, travel to bottom of the table Pelsall Villa (3pm ko), before a trip to Littleton in the rearranged Smedley CrookeCup clash next Tuesday (7.45pm ko).

Highgate were held to a 1-1 draw by Atherstone at the weekend, which means Sporting could close the gap on the division’s pacesetters.

Smith said: “We’ve got to keep the pressure on Highgate until the end of the season, there’s a long way to go but there is much to be played for.

“Their draw is obviously good for us and there’s a long way to go.”

Meanwhile, Bromsgrove are waiting to learn who they will face in the semi-finals of the Les James Cup after beating Uttoxeter 2-0 in the last eight on Saturday.

With the final set to be played at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium, Smith is keen to set up a showpiece final.

Sean Brain’s goal after 46 seconds and Dan Carter’s fine chip in the final minute sealed a deserved victory.

Smith added: “It was a heavyweight game between the two highest ranked teams in the competition.

“I thought it was an end-to-end game on what was a very sticky pitch.

“Uttoxeter gave it a good go but Sean took his goal well and Dan finished the game off with a very good strike.

“There’s a big carrot for the team, to play at a Football League ground.”

Smith also revealed that full back Daniel Morris has turned down a chance to join Premier League side Alvechurch, after the Lye Meadow outfit had put in a seven-day approach.

“I am really pleased that Daniel has said he wanted to stay on, he’s one of the best right-backs in the league,” commented Smith.

The manager also revealed Chris Conway should feature more regularly following a period where work commitments affected his availability for selection.

Chris Duggan returns after serving his three-match ban but Simon Fitter (back) and Will Tibbetts (ankle) were considered to be doubtful for last night’s game at Coventry Copsewood.