BROMSGROVE Sporting have Sunday football to thank for their passage through into the next stage of the FA Vase following their epic 1-0 win at Midland Premier League title rivals Sporting Khalsa last Saturday.

The Rouslers were hanging onto a slender lead when Khalsa were awarded a late penalty as the prospects of a replay loomed large.

But goalkeeper Reece Francis guessed correctly and dived to his right to save the resulting David Meese spot kick.

It's not the first time that Francis has faced Meese from the spot.

The pair confronted each other from the spot last season when Francis was featuring for Sunday side Austin Ex Apprentices and the shotstopper remembered which way to go.

Rouslers boss Paul Smith said: "It was a great penalty save - but it turned out that Reece knew which way to go.

"It's got our Vase campaign up and running this season, although the draw hasn't done us any favours.

"Sportng Khalsa was hard enough but a home tie with Coventry United hasn't made life any easier.

"Like ourselves, Coventry United have got their eye on promotion this season.

"We played them last month in the Midland League and beat them 1-0. I expect another similar contest in what should be a humdinger of a cup tie"

Smith was also claiming some of the credit for his side's success at Khalsa.

He revealed: "We've been conceding too many goals away from home recently so I went for a 4-5-1 formation. It's something I've never done before but it paid off as we tried to hit Khalsa on the counter-attack.

"Khalsa had the lion's share of possession but we produced a defensive masterclass at times.

"I just hope people will now buy into the FA Vase again and that we get another bumper crowd against Coventry United."

The Vase tie with Coventry United is scheduled for December 2 which means the much-awaited top of the table clash with Coleshill Town will have to be re-arranged.

Smith is also anxious to add to his squad this week and has a couple of targets in mind.

He explained: "I need to bring a bit more height and strengtth into the side to help us, especially at set pieces.

"We're a fairly small squad and I could do with something to help with the more physical side of the game.

"It doesn't necessarily mean anyone will be moving out as we've been struggling bench-wise this season and I've not had a full squad of 19 available to me so far."

Bromsgrove Sporting entertain next to bottom side Quorn this Saturday and then play host to Nuneaton Town on Tuesday in the Birmingham Senior Cup.