BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith had to battle against the threat of complacency this week ahead of his side's trip to South Normanton Athletic.

Smith was fearful his players might take their foot off the accelerator after coming through a string of recent tough fixtures.

He said: "We'd just beaten Lye Town and Coventry United. We were also unlucky not to beat Sporting Khalsa. They are three of the sides I expect to be challenging for honours this season.

"I must admit, I'd built these three games up and I was worried that complacency might creep in at South Normanton. I talked about it with the players beforehand. But we came away with a 3-0 win which I thought was about right. It was a very professional performance."

Smith has now become concerned about the number of injuries his players are picking up.

Wade Malley became the latest victim after limping off at South Normanton.

Smith already has Joe Ward, Reece Hewitt and Max Loveridge on the sidelines and is also having to monitor Jason Cowley's progress after picking up a groin problem.

The Sporting boss wasn't prepared to risk any of the injured players for the midweek League Cup fixture against Old Wulfrunians.

He was keen to see John Pykett, Jack Wilson and Sean Brain all feature along with some of the club's promising youngsters including Nathan Binner and Max Tranter.

Smith insisted: "They are all very good players, but when you're a side that is going for the league title, then sometimes it's very difficult to bring these lads in.

"But it's equally important to play them as they need to spend time on the pitch."

Once again, Sporting took another splendid following of support to deepest Derbyshire.

Smith said: "We must have had over 150 supporters there and we filled one side of their ground.

"South Normanton is probably our longest journey in the Midland League and it's fantastic that we can take this amount of support. I know it delights all the other clubs as well."

Second in the table Sporting will be hoping for another bumper crowd at the Victoria ground this Saturday when they entertain Long Eaton United.