PAUL Smith admitted Bromsgrove Sporting's title hopes have taken a huge blow after two defeats in a row.

The Rouslers paid the price for conceding late goals in last week's 2-1 defeat at Southam and Saturday's 3-2 home defeat to championship rivals Hinckley.

Sporting would have to win all of their remain league games and hope the sides above them slip up.

"I was disappointed with the performance and to be honest we didn't play well enough to get anything from the game," lamented the Sporting manager.

"I am disappointed because the players have let me and the fans down.

"We haven't changed anything but the players are producing a level of performance well below what they were producing in December and January.

"It was like an end of season game but we're not near that stage yet.

"Losing Ryan Mahon is a huge blow but that is no excuse, the players are capable of so much more."

He added: "I have definitely not given up on the title but we need to win all of our remaining games and hope the rest slip up.

"But if I am being honest, we're don't look capable of winning every game.

"Our form has not been good for the last eight or nine games and our best performance was against Highgate a fortnight ago."

Sporting were set to be without up to six players for last night's testing clash at Stafford.

They then turn their attentions to the Les James Challenge Cup semi-final at Coventry Copsewood on Saturday (3pm ko).

The victors will then play a final at Sky Bet League One side Walsall FC.

Smith added: "This competition is keeping our season alive and there's a huge carrot for the players to play at Bescot.

"We read the riot act to the players after and made it clear what we expect.

"I didn't have a pre-season at Sporting because I joined the club five games into the season and there are players we have now who will have to do better if they want to be signed up again."

Simon Fitter, who was sent off against Southam, is set to be suspended for the away games at Studley and Pershore on April 4 and 6 respectively.

Smith is also set to strengthen his squad and has drafted in former Studley hitman Josh McKenzie and midfielder Ross Dempster.

Meanwhile, Redditch United's hope of looking at striker Sean Brain were dashed after parent club Stratford vetoed any potential move.