PAUL Smith believes Bromsgrove Sporting must step up as they enter a make or break period in their Midlands Premier title hunt.

The manager was relieved to see his side overcome Atherstone 3-1 at home on Saturday, a result which leaves them fifth in the table.

While they have games in hand, the Rouslers are 10 points off leaders Coventry United.

But Smith feels the next four games are key.

They go to Littleton on Saturday (3pm ko), entertain Hinckley AFC on December 5, before trips to Nuneaton Griff on December 12 and Coventry Copsewood on December 19.

Smith said: “I feel we’ve made progress in terms of looking more like a team and we need to keep that up.

“We’ve got a run of games that we have to do well in if we’ve got any ambition to challenge for promotion.

“The lads have been hard to manage in some respects because they have high expectations and have been hard on themselves for not meeting their standards.

“We have a lot of gifted individuals who are coming together.”

Reece Hewitt is available again after serving a one-match suspension, while Simon Fitter will be welcomed back into the squad after missing out against Atherstone.

The former Evesham man was excluded at the weekend following an incident with Smith’s coaches.

“Simon is part of our squad and it’s under the bridge,” said Smith.

“He had a difference of opinion with the coaches during training last Thursday but I didn’t see it.

“These things happen in football, when you got a lot of men together.”