BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith is dreaming of a cup final at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium.

The Rouslers face a huge game on Saturday when they take on Midlands Premier rivals Uttoxeter on Saturday (3pm ko) in a much anticipated quarter-final clash.

Both Sporting and their Staffordshire rivals are the highest placed teams in the competition, with the winners aiming to make it to the final, which will be hosted by SkyBet League Two outfit Walsall.

With Sporting very much in the title hunt, Smith feels a victory over a team who have taken four points off them in the league will only boost their chances of taking the top spot.

He said: “This is a huge game for us and I have made it clear to the players what an important match this is.

“It’s an opportunity to play at a Football League ground which will be very special for everyone at the club.

“We’ve got to get past Uttoxeter, who have taken four points off us this season, so there is an added incentive to do well.

“Of course we’re still very much in the hunt in the league but I do feel that keeping our winning mentality is vital.

“We’ve drawn the last two games and I know the expectations at this club are huge, so we’ve got to get back to winning.”

While Sporting’s league clash at Stafford was postponed at the weekend, they arranged a friendly against Alvechurch which they won 4-0 on Studley FC’s 3G pitches.

Sean Brain, Scott Smith, Chrisi Conway and Dan Carter scored in a game Smith described as beneficial.

He said: “I like the team to train twice a week but we’ve not been able to do that over the last few weeks, which I think has had an effect on the players’ fitness.

“It was really important to play on Saturday. I am good friends with Studley manager Lee Knight and it was a chance to get a good work out against a team from a higher level.

“There were lads who need game time, so the game was a big benefit.”

Unable to take part is Matt Gardner, who is cup-tied for Saturday’s clash, while Chris Conway is not available because of work commitments.