CONSISTENCY has been the key to Bromsgrove Sporting’s success, manager Adrian Mander believes.

The Rouslers continued their excellent run of form in the Midland Combination Premier with a 4-1 victory over Stafford Town.

That was enough for them to leapfrog Nuneaton Griff to move to second spot.

Bromsgrove have still not given up on overtaking leaders Brocton, but the table-toppers have a four-point lead and have played fewer games than Sporting.

The Victoria Ground outfit are the division’s form team, with eight wins and just one defeat in the last 11 league matches.

Mander said: “We’ve not totally given up on winning the league but obviously Brocton have the advantage.

“But we’re playing for pride and we really want to finish as high as we can.

“The attitude of the players has been really good and as long as we prepare properly then we’ve got a chance. We will take every game as it comes.”

With just 30 goals conceded in 26 league games, Sporting are the division’s toughest defence, but it was their attacking players who came to the fore in Stafford.

Danny Ludlow opened the scoring after Matt Poyner’s shot was blocked.

Sean Williams could have doubled the lead five minutes later but mis-timed his shot and it went into the side netting.

Bromsgrove doubled their advantage with a bizarre incident. Morgan Hurley was punished for drinking a bottle of water while on the pitch and Mark Bellingham headed home the resulting free kick.

Bellingham bagged his 24th goal of the season after good work by strike partner Chris Russell.

Poyner’s deflected effort secured a comfortable victory for Sporting.

“I always thought we looked capable of scoring goals,” said the manager.

“We looked dangerous and it was pleasing to see.

“We’ve also defended very well this season and that is key to having a good season.”

Bromsgrove were set to play Alvis Sporting in the Les James Midland Combination Challenge Cup last night.

They then go to Pershore in the league on Saturday (3pm ko) and welcome Malvern to the Victoria Ground for the Worcestershire Senior Urn second round on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Pershore is the second away game in a row in the league but Sporting have been excellent on their travels.

Mander added: “If you can get your away form in order you’ve got a good chance.”