BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith will spend this week trying to recruit a goalkeeper in time for Saturday's historic trip to Watford-based side Sun Sports in the FA Vase.

Regular stopper Chris Jay has suffered a feared season-ending groin strain after getting injured in the recent 1-1 draw with Racing Club Warwick.

Outfield player Aaron Roberts had to take over between the posts with Jay set to undergo a MRI scan in a bid to assess the extent of the damage.

Smith has since drafted in veteran goalkeeper Neil Leech who featured in Monday's 5-0 pummelling of Pershore Town.

The Sporting boss said:"I will have no qualms about playing Neil if need be. He is a very experienced goalkeeper and has kept himself extremely fit.

"But I will be working overtime to try and bring someone in if I can, although the difficulty is trying to get a goalkeeper who isn't cup-tied. I've got until mid-day on Friday and I will be trying my best, but I won't be too concerned if I can't as Neil did very well against Pershore and kept a clean sheet."

Sporting will be travelling into unchartered territory on Saturday having never gone beyond this stage of the FA Vase - but they won't be alone when they visit the Spartan South Midlands League side.

An estimated army of several hundred Sporting supporters will be making the journey into Hertfordshire and Smith believes this following will be vital in their efforts to reach the last 16 of this season's competition.

He said: "We could be taking over 300 supporters and that would be the equivalent of having a 12th man as it will give the players a huge boost.

"Make no mistake, Sun Sports are just as excited about this game as we are - but I don't think they realise what is about to hit them when you consider the average size of their home crowd is around 30."

"The club have already filled up three coachloads of supporters and I think they might even be working on a fourth one. That's in addition to people travelling by train and car.

"The whole town is buzzing about the game and I just hope we give them a brilliant day out.

"We will be treating the game no differently to any other. We will meet at the ground for10.30am and travel down by coach.

"As far as I'm concerned, it's business as usual and I will be expecting us to win."

Seats are still available on the official club coaches and anyone interested in going should contact the club, which will be open on Saturday from 9am when breakfasts will be available.