BROMSGROVE Sporting manager Paul Smith faces a 354 mile round trip to Newton Abbot in deepest Devon next week - but he won't mind that journey one bit.

Smith will be attempting to run the rule over Buckland Athletic after Sporting were drawn to play them in the FA Vase quarter finals later this month.

The teams will meet at the Victoria Ground for a likely Sunday afternoon contest on February 19.

This tie is reward for beating Western League leaders Bristol Manor Farm 2-1 last Saturday in a game which took place in front of a record Bromsgrove Sporting crowd of just under 1,500.

Smith said: "It was a brilliant day. I set out a game plan and the players executed it perfectly and did exactly what we needed to do.

"The atmosphere at the game was out of this world and the victory a testament to all the hard work people have put in at the club. I've been told by the board my job is safe for another week!

"I was desperate to get a home draw in the quarter finals as a reward for all those people.

"We broke the crowd record against Bristol Manor Farm and I expect us to beat the record again against Buckland.

"They are the only side to have beaten Bristol Manor Farm this season, so it will be another tough ask - but every side in the quarter finals is there on merit.

"I'm so grateful to get a home tie against Buckland. I really didn't want to face local sides like Sporting Khalsa or Coleshill Town, because I think that would have taken some of the magic away."

Smith had the task of bringing his players back down to earth this week.

He intended to utilise his squad for a midweek contest at Highgate against Barnt Green Spartak in the Smedley Crook Cup before travelling to Coleshill Town this Saturday to face Chelmsley Town in a Midland League Division One match.

Smith was forced to make a dramatic late change to his line-up last Saturday when Robbie Bunn tweaked his thigh muscle while warming up.

Liam Spink was drafted into the starting line-up at late notice with Keenan Meakin Richards added to the bench.

Smith also has the considerable talents of Will Tibbetts, Jake Wilcox, teenager Alfie Bloom all waiting in the wings while Ethan Hanks has returned to the ranks following a spell with Chesterfield's Academy.

Smith said: " It's a really strong squad and everyone is buying into what I'm trying to do.

"I could pick anyone of 19 players and it wouldn't weaken us in any way."

However, full back Joe Haines has switched to join rivals Lichfield City after finding his opportunities at Sporting limited.

Smith added: "I didn't want to lose Joe, but understand why he wanted to leave and wish him all the best. It didn't help that he was cup-tied for the FA Vase."