HEAD coach Dan Protherough hailed Bromsgrove's team spirit after a swash-buckling victory over Sandbach.

Jon Critchlow ensured a hard earned victory with a last-gasp penalty as the Boars battled back from 20-8 to win 31-30 in Cheshire.

It was the Finstall Park side's seventh win out of 12 games and a second successive victory further cemented a mid-table space.

Protherough said: "We showed a lot of spirit to win the game.

"We had actually started well but after Sandbach had scored an interception try we panicked and they racked up the points in 20 minutes.

"But overall I felt we had the best of the game and deserved to win.

"Jon Critchlow also showed no nerves to score the penalty, and it's reassuring to have a someone who is a reliable kicker in the side."

The Boars are set to face mid-table rivals Scunthorpe at home on Saturday (3pm start).

Ben Meadows is set to return from injury, while Matt Edgar, who pulled up with a hamstring problem before the Sandbach clash, will be assessed.

This Saturday's clash is also the half way point in the season and Bromsgrove have recovered from last season's relegation two the National Three Midlands.

Protherough said: "Overall I am pretty happy with where we are to be honest.

"Apart from Leicester at the top, the league is very tight. We've lost three games on another day we would have won and Sandbach is an indicator of games we have won.

"If a team can string a few results together then you can move up the table."