BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith was forced to read the riot act to his players at half time before watching them progress in this season's FA Vase at Cadbury Athletic's expense.

His tongue-lashing had the required effect as Sporting turned around a 2-0 half time deficit to triumph 5-3 following a period of extra time.

Sporting have now been handed a home tie against fellow Midland League Division One high-fliers Lichfield City in the next round, although the date still has to be decided as ground tenants Worcester City are due to play at home on the same weekend.

Smith pulled no punches when he admitted: "We were awful in the first half. It was our worst performance of the season and it amazed me just how bad we were.

"We looked lethargic from the start. Cadbury defended in depth and then caught us on the break twice. I read them the riot act at half time and from that point we never looked back.

"I've put a squad together that should be capable of beating anyone in our league and that's what I expect from the players.

"We won't be taking Lichfield lightly. They've made a good start to the season themselves and are tucked in nicely behind us in second place and they will fancy their chances."

Ironically the two teams meet this Saturday in a Midland League match and Smith will be determined to see Sporting extend their unbeaten run.

Sporting were due to visit Bewdley Town in the Worcestershire Senior Urn this week and Smith was looking to ring the changes to his squad.

He expected to include his assistant Brendan Kelly, promising youngster Alfie Bloom and skipper Craig Jones who missed the Cadbury's match owing to wedding duty.

Jake Wilcox was also set to come into the reckoning providing he could shake off a calf injury while Joe Haines was in contention to play after returning to Sporting following a short spell at Walsall Wood.

Sam Wills and Jack Wilson were missing owing to work commitments while Jason Cowley and Reece Hewitt were cup tied after featuring for Redditch in a previous round.

Both Daniel Morris and Ahmed Ali were left out through injury.

Smith also confirmed that Dale Edwards had left Sporting to join Premier Division side Highgate United and explained: "Dale was struggling to get into the starting 11 especially as the side have been doing so well recently. He wants to be playing and has gone to try his luck with Highgate. He goes with our best wishes for future."