BUOYANT Bromsgrove Sporting have opened up a six point lead on top of Southern League Division One Central after beating Bedforshire-based Barton Rovers 3-0.

Wing wizard John Pykett gave the Rouslers a flying start by heading them in front after three minutes.

Will Shorrock added a second before half time with Richard Gregory also on the mark to complete a comprehensive victory.

Rouslers boss Brendan Kelly said: "It was a real good performance, but it wasn't always one way traffic as Barton had a really good spell for about 10 to 15 minutes in the second half.

"They had drawn with Peterborough Sports in midweek and had come into the game full of confidence.

"Goalkeeper Dan Crane had to pull off one incredible save during the period when Barton were pressing and it was a situation of just having to weather the storm. As a result, Richard Gregory's third goal on 72 minutes came at a crucial time.

"The most pleasing thing is the fact goals are coming from all over the park.

"John Pykett's in particular came in unusual circumstances in the fact it was a back post header from Richard Gregory's cross.

"But equally important was the fact we kept a fourth clean sheet in a row.

"Dan Crane has now become my number one choice as Reece Francis chose to leave and join Redditch United late last week.

"I didn't really want to lose Reece but he wants regular football."

Busy Kelly has brought in Barwell midfield man Jake Heath, who together with recent recruit from Stourbridge Louis Hall, were expected to feature against the RAF Representative side in a memorial game for Thomas Jones this week.

Heath has previously been on both Walsall and Stafford Rangers books, but the 23-year-old Wombourne-based player was finding the travelling to Barwell too much.

Kelly added: "I tried to sign Jake last season but couldn't get a deal over the line.

"After losing Liam Armstrong and Danny Jackman, it was an area I really needed to strengthen.

"Jake is what I'd call a good box-to-box player and will bring plenty of energy to the side."

Both new signings will come into the reckoning for Saturday's trip to Bedford Town.