PAUL Smith says there is still much work to do after Bromsgrove Sporting enhanced their title hopes in the Midlands Football Division One.

The Rouslers' 3-1 win over championship rivals Highgate United means they are very much in the hunt for a glorious end to the season.

Sporting remain fourth in the table but have games in hand over all their rivals and importantly also tackle top four opponents Bolehall Swifts and AFC Hinckley in the next fortnight.

"It was a must-win game, we had lost our first game since September and Highgate had lost two on the trot so something had to give," said Sporting's manager.

"I must comment the players, they stood up to the challenge of a very intimidating side, who are very big, strong and vocal.

"I was worried when we fell behind but the players came through with flying colours.

"It is a win that puts us back in contention for the title "But as I said to the lads when they came into the dressing room we've won nothing yet but it does keep us right in the hunt for it."

Sporting had been trailing before Will Tibbetts and Craig Jones edged them ahead.

Tibbetts bagged a second after the break before to mark a fine turn around in the forward's fortunes.

He had been reprimanded by Smith after showing his displeasure at only being selected on a substitute's bench for the game against Littleton last month.

But since then, he has made peace with the manager after a good talk with Smith.

He said: "Will has apologised to the players and myself about what happened.

"The players know what I expect of them and they all get one chance.

"But he's a very good player and it's good he's concentrating on his football again."

Sporting go to third-placed Bolehall on Saturday (3pm ko), missing the injured Matt Gardner.

They they then visit Southam United next Wednesday (7.45pm) and then tackle current leaders Hinckley at home on March 21.