BROMSGROVE Sporting suffered a severe setback in their bid for promotion from Evo Stik Southern League Central Division One when defeated 3-2 at Dunstable Town.

Despite taking the lead through Jason Cowley, the Rouslers came unstuck and dismayed manager Brendan Kelly claimed: "We didn't do the basics properly and we got punished.

"To be fair, Dunstable counter-attacked really well and we didn't react quickly enough".

But Kelly refused to blame his players adding: "I'm surprised to see Dunstable in the position they find themselves in because they didn't play like a fifth from bottom side. They're a very tidy outfit and I remember from our first meeting it took a superb goal from Charlie Dowd to beat them.

"I'm quite baffled to see them so low down in the table.

"I couldn't fault the players for effort and we gave it a right go at the end with four players up top

"But we cannot afford to have any hangover from the game and we need to get straight back at home to Thame United this Saturday.

The Dunstable defeat leaves Sporting in second spot - but they trail leaders Peterborough Sports by four points with the leaders having the luxury of two games in hand.

Third placed Corby Town have also closed right up on Sporting and now sit one point adrift with two games in hand.

Kelly is likely to resist any temptation to ring the changes to the point where he has put three of his players out on loan.

Aaron Roberts played a full 90 minutes for Studley while L'mar Murray featured for Stourport Swifts.

Tom Rankine also had a run-out for Lichfield City but Kelly insisted: "They still remain part of the squad but it's important they get playing time under their belts.

"It's up to them to fight for their place and get into the 16 strong squad".

Kelly is also keen to hold onto Walsall loanee Cameron Peters who has two more weeks to run on his current deal.

Kelly confirmed: "Walsall will review the situation after that. They're happy with the fact he's playing and he's really been putting in a shift at the moment".