PAUL Smith believes Bromsgrove Sporting must be ready for their biggest test of the season when they entertain Studley at the Victoria Ground on Boxing Day.

The clash, which kicks-off at 11.30am, sees two of the Midlands Division One’s in-form sides locking horns.

The fourth-placed Rouslers have not lost in the league since being edged out by Uttoxeter in September, but they face a Bees outfit who are sitting only two places behind in the table.

Both clubs know each other well, with Smith leaving Studley to take the reigns at Sporting after Adrian Mander had been shown the exit following a fallout with director Jon Prescott.

Mander then took the vacant position at the Warwickshire outfit, taking the likes of striker Josh McKenzie, Toby Checketts and Darius Darking with him.

From Studley, Smith also drafted in a host of players, including Sam Wills.

“This is a huge game for us,” said Sporting’s manager.

“Obviously both Adrian and I know each club well and there are players who have played for both sides so it’s going to be an interesting game.

“But I think if we play to our best and do our job then we will get a positive result.

“We’re on a great run at the moment and there’s do doubting that winning can become a habit.”

Sporting were too strong for Southam in the league last Tuesday as they hammered them 7-0, with Wills, Chris Conway (2), Will Tibbetts, Reece Hewitt and Jozsef Jakab (2) on target.

They then progressed into the next round of the League Cup by defeating Bolehall Swifts 4-3 on penalties at the weekend — it was Bromsgrove’s first spot-kick success since the club started in 2010.

But they did suffer a setback last week when new addition Liam Molesworth was ruled out for eight weeks with a broken leg sustaining while playing six-a-side football.

Smith added: “Liam rang me and let me know in advance that he was playing the game because he wanted to get up to match sharpness.

“I told him to be careful but you can’t legislate for something like this.

“It’s a blow but we got a good response from our forwards against Southam.”