BROMSGROVE Sporting cemented top spot with a prized 1-0 at second placed Lichfield City in Midland League Division One's match of the day.

Jason Cowley came up with the only goal after having an earlier effort ruled out.

Sporting boss Paul Smith said: "The scoreline didn't reflect the game. We thought Jason's earlier effort had crossed the line but the officials didn't give it.

"Lichfield had a couple of early chances which they didn't take, but once Jason had scored with a great finish, I thought we went on to control most of the game.

"It was a great result, but it's still early days, we've only played 11 games at the moment so I'm not discounting anybody yet."

Smith has suffered a couple of departures from the Victoria Ground this week.

Midfield man Ahmed Ali has joined local rivals Redditch United and Smith said: "He's 27 and wants to have a crack playing at a higher level. I'm gutted to see him go because he's been top quality and he'll always be welcome back."

Ahmed Ali arrived at Sporting by chance during the summer after asking for a trial. The Somalian international had previously played full time in the Dutch Division Two before moving from Holland to Birmingham.

Smith has now called on the likes of Nathan Walker, Robbie Bunn, Reece Hewitt, Sam Wills and Keenan Meaker-Richards to step up and fill the void left by Ahmed Ali.

Busy Smith is also on the lookout for an assistant after Stafford-based Adam Cunningham was forced to call time on Sporting owing to increased work commitments.

Smith said: "Adam was struggling to keep coming over to Bromsgrove on a Tuesday, Thursday and matchday as he runs his own business.

"It's a big shame as I loved working with him. He's a top man and I hope he gets fixed up somewhere closer to home."

Smith will continue to coach Sporting together with Brendan Kelly and anyone interested in the assistant's role should email Paul Smith at: pdscontractflooringservices@hotmail.com Sporting attempt to reinforce their top of the table billing this Saturday when they entertain fourth placed Atherstone Town.