MARTIN Sockett hailed Bromsgrove Sporting’s impressive team spirit after their heroics on New Year’s Day.

The Rouslers had been reduced to ten men after Chris Duggan’s straight red card and were trailing 3-1 after an hour.

But in front of a 533 strong crowd at the Victoria Ground, Sporting rallied to win 5-3 and stretch their unbeaten run in the Midlands Premier to 12 games.

Even more impressively, Sporting are now second in the table, six puts behind leaders Highgate with a game in hand.

Sockett, who was in charge while manager Paul Smith was away, said: “It was a brilliant win for the lads.

“To be 3-1 down and down to ten men might put some teams out of the game but not us in our current form.

“We made one or two subtle changes and then played some absolutely brilliant football.

“It was pacey, sustained attacking for 30 minutes and after the game the lads were euphoric in the dressing room.

“It just shows the tremendous spirit the players have, they never let their heads drop and the crowd was also fantastic too.”

Sporting are set to be without Duggan, who was shown a red card for a challenge on Craig Oldfield.

However, Sockett felt that former Sporting player Jacob Snape was lucky to escape with just a yellow card after grabbing Simon Fitter before Duggan’s dismissal.

Sockett commented: “I thought Chris is a little bit unlucky to be honest, he went into the side and back and accidentally caught the lad with his trailing leg.”

Sporting are in action in the Smedley Crooke Cup action on Saturday when they tackle Littletons away on Saturday (3pm ko).

l Meanwhile in Division Two, Fairfield Villa saw Saturday’s clash against Barnt Green Spartak postoned because of the rain.

Villa continue their league campaign on this weekend when they tackle mid-table Chemsley Wood at home (3pm ko).

That fixture will be followed by a clash at Worcester Raiders in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup on January 24, before playing Droitwich again on January 31, this time in the Worcestershire Junior Cup.