BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith has told his title chasing players they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas as they approach the second half of the season.

The Rouslers reached the festive period sitting third in the Midland League just one point adrift of leaders Sporting Khasla, but with the luxury of two games in hand.

Smith handed his side a huge fillip following the signing of Sporting Khalsa's Liam Holt as a ready made replacement for the injured Liam Spink.

He follows the arrival of Stourbridge's versatile Drew Canavan and Stafford Rangers striker Richard Gregory and Smith insists: "It's set the whole club buzzing and everyone seems to be going around with an extra spring in their step.

"The first half of the season has gone exactly as we would have hoped, especially with the FA Vase still to come.

"We've been picking up results really well but there is no room for complacency.

"If we want to win the league, then we have to show consistency.

"But there is no denying the games against Worcester City over the Christmas period are going to prove huge affairs.

"We would be expecting crowds in excess of 2,000 on each occasion which is going to present a fantastic atmosphere.

The sides were set to meet at the Victoria Ground on Boxing Day and then again on New Year's Day, both at 3pm and Smith admitted: "The games could either be a manager's dream or dread.

"It's always a hugely anticipated affair when you play the local rivals and this is a fixture that really captures the imagination.

"Worcester are fourth in the table, just seven points behind and have been picking up of late "They have just signed goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan, so that shows a sign of their intent and we will need to be at our best to beat them".