Trophy is in sight for Sporting (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Trophy is in sight for Sporting

8:00am Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport

BROMSGROVE Sporting manager Keith Draper was delighted as his side avenged their league loss against Littleton and booked their place in the last eight of the Smedley Crooke Challenge Trophy.

A second-half strike by manager’s son Keith junior ensured a 1-0 win and means the Rouslers took a step closer to winning the club’s first silverware.

It was also a satisfying victory for the management team of Draper senior and Graham Scott, after their 3-1 loss to Littleton in the Midland Combination Premier at the start of February.

“In the game we lost in the league we got our selection and tactics wrong but this time we got it spot on and it was a more convincing display than 1-0 suggets,” said Draper.

“We wanted to get in their faces and to a man every player did their job which was great to see.

“Littleton could have scored near the end but otherwise we were in control.”

Draper also hailed the impact of Chris Morrison, who have proved to be a galvanised force for Sporting since he switched from centre forward to centre back and taking the captain’s armband.

Draper said: “Chris has been fantastic for us.

“He’s a leader on the pitch and has been brilliant at communicating what’s needed.

“All of a sudden the spirit in the squad is fantastic and we’re all pushing in the same direction.

“Our priority is the cups because there is no doubt we can go on and win at least one.”

Sporting look set to lose striker Chris Conway to Southern League side Evesham United, who put in a seven-day request for him.

Despite being plagued by a stress fracture for several months, the former Aston Villa youngster has scored 13 goals.

Draper said: “We don’t want Chris to go but I think he’s worried if he doesn’t take this chance it won’t happen again.

“He’s been a great player for me and we’re hoping he will be able to play for us if he’s not playing for Evesham.”

Sporting have signed Pilkington XXX and Bartley Green man Gary Davis, who can play in midfield or at right back.

Meanwhile, Lee Dunkley has returned from Studley.