PAUL Smith has been impressed by his new-look Bromsgrove Sporting team's progress in a small space of time.

The Rouslers boss has experienced a hectic three weeks, where he has largely rebuilt his squad during a period of important games on the Midlands Football League Division One and FA Cup and Vase.

Under his management, Sporting have defeated AFC Hinckley and Pilkington XXX in the league.

Sporting narrowly lost their FA Cup replay to Premier Coleshill Town 3-2 last Tuesday, after pushing them all the way in the first game.

Meanwhile, Bromsgrove tackled opponents from a higher level in the shape of Stourport Swifts and were on the verge of an impressive win when Calvin Dinsley bagged a last-gasp leveller for Sporting's Worcestershire rivals.

With both clubs agreeing to extra-time before the Qualifying Round clash, they battled out another half an hour. Sporting were set to face Swifts, managed by former Bromsgrove Rovers boss Rod Brown, last night.

"We've come a long way in a short space of time," said Smith.

"Since I have been at the club we've had nothing but top of the table clashes and big games in the cups.

"But I have been very pleased, we've matched Coleshill and Bromsgrove Sporting, which is very encouraging considering we've thrown the team together.

"Normally you put a side together in pre-season but I didn't join the club four games into the campaign."

Sporting's big matches keep on coming as they entertain second-placed Uttoxeter on Saturday (3pm ko).

But Bromsgrove can take some confidence from their excellent performance against Swifts at the weekend.

Sam Wills scored twice but Simon Fitter fired a penalty over the on the stroke of half-time.

Smith said: "If we had taken our chances then we could have been 4-1 up at half-time and we would have won the game.

"But Rod gave his team a rocket at the break and they improved, even though I thought we matched them."