MANAGER Paul Smith has said Bromsgrove Sporting will go “hell for leather” to win the Midlands Football League Premier Division.

After playing half their games in the league, the Rouslers are pushing hard in second-place in the table.

While they trail Division One leaders Highgate — who have played two more games than Sporting — by nine points, Smith is predicting a thrilling end to the season.

Smith has worked wonders since replacing Adrian Mander in September, guiding them to a 12-match unbeaten run in the league while reshaping the squad at the same time.

He also feels the Rouslers will have to be at their best in the race for the title with Sporting’s goal difference keeping them ahead of Hinckley and Bolehall Swifts, all of whom are on 44 points.

He said: “I don’t think there is any room for error for the rest of the season.

“If somebody had told me we’d been second at this stage, I definitely would have taken it.

“We are playing very well and scoring lots of goals, but my big thing is that we can’t afford to be complacent.

“I don’t think we can afford to lose a game for the rest of the season and make no mistake, we’ll be going hell for leather until the end of the season.”

Sporting, who entertained Coventry Copsewood on Tuesday night, now face Pershore Town at home on Saturday in the league (3pm ko).

Bromsgrove were left kicking their heels after their Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup game at Littleton was rained off. The clash has been rearranged for January 27.

Meanwhile, Smith hailed the impact of the fans after two bumper festive attendances at the Victoria Ground.

Sporting welcomed a crowd of 513 for the game against Studley before a record-setting 533 attended the clash with Pilkington XXX.

Smith, who missed the Pilkington game because of holiday, said: “The fans are making a huge difference.

“No-one else in the league can attract crowds of that size and we must make full use of our advantage.

“We’re attracting supporters who haven’t been attending regularly and I hope they keep coming because their support means a lot.”

Sporting welcome back Danny Morris and Craig Jones from injury and illness for this week’s home game against Pershore.