BROMSGROVE Sporting will push runaway leaders Brocton all the way, insists assistant boss Les Palmer.

The Rouslers are currently third in the table but seven points behind the table-toppers in the Midland Combination Premier, who have played three games less.

“It’s going to be very tough to catch Brocton,” said Palmer.

“But you never know what’s going to happen with fixture pile-ups.

“I remember being at Kidderminster Harriers when we won the league, we had a 15 point lead with ten games to go but by the end it had been whittled down to just three.

“But we’re on a good run and we’ll just keep on trying to get results.”

Sporting, who were set to play Sutton Coldfield in a friendly last night, will be aiming to extend their six-game unbeaten run to seven matches when they take on struggling Pershore away on Saturday (3pm ko).

Former goal-getter Palmer, who was promoted from coach to Adrian Mander’s assistant, also backed striker Mark Bellingham to keep on scoring.

The 35-year-old made it 600 non-league goals when he bagged a hat-trick during Saturday’s 4-0 win over Pelsall Villa.

Palmer said: “As long as Mark stays fit he will score goals.

“He knows what runs to make and he’s like a magnet – the ball always goes to him.”