PAUL Smith believes Bromsgrove Sporting must maintain their high standards if they are to progress in the FA Vase.

The Rouslers go to East Midlands Counties side Borrowash Victoria on Saturday (3pm ko) looking to book their place in the third round.

Sporting’s Derby-based opponents have struggled for form in recent weeks, with three defeats in the last four games, while, in contrast, Sporting have seven wins and two draws from their last nine.

“This is a great opportunity for the club,” said the manager.

“Borrowash play at a similar level to us and are not having the best time of it, while we’re in good form and unbeaten in nine.

“It’s not going to be easy, we’re away from home, but if the players all do their jobs then we have a good chance of getting through.

“We’re bringing the 12th man with more than 100 fans going to the game, so we’ll have plenty of support.”

Bromsgrove organised a home friendly against Earlswood Town last night to make sure the players have some match practice after two weeks without a full game.

Last Saturday’s clash against Littleton was cancelled because of rain, while Saturday’s Midlands Premier clash against Coventry Copsewood was abandoned after 25 minutes.

Sporting had been leading 1-0, through Jack Wilson’s fine individual effort, when Coventry’s Daniel Povey suffered a broken leg after a 50/50 tackle with Sporting’s Simon Fitter, who was then shown a straight red card.

The Copsewood man received treatment from both team’s physios and a member of the crowd with a medical background, and it took 30 minutes for the ambulance to arrive and 40 minutes before it was safe to take Povey to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

Smith said: “Simon is distraught at what happened, it was a 50/50 tackle with both players going for the ball and I think the sending off was harsh.

“I feel for Daniel and wish him a speedy recovery but you also have to feel for Simon, who will also be affected by what happened.”