BROMSGROVE Sporting have been handed a difficult start to the Midlands Division One.

The Rouslers kick-off their league campaign with a home clash against Southam on Saturday, August 13.

Manager Paul Smith will be keen for his side to get a better result than they did in last season’s opening day clash at home against the same club, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

After two seasons finishing runners-up and missing out on promotion, the manager knows that there is little room for error and will want to get off to a flying start However six of Bromsgrove’s first eight fixtures in the league are away from home.

After Southam, they go to Littleton on August 17, entertain Hinckley six days later and then visit Cadbury Athletic on August 27.

Their first competitive game of the season is on August 6, when they go to Heath Hayes in the FA Cup extra preliminary round.

Smith said: “We have been handed a very difficult start to the season with six away games out of eight.

“I think with Worcester City taking precedence and the FA Cup and Vase games, which we have been told would have been home games in the league, it’s just one of those things.

“But we have to play everyone twice and it will even itself out over the course of a season.”

Smith was delighted by his team’s impressive display against Midlands Premier title hopefuls Sporting Khalsa on Saturday.

A Sean Brain goal proved to be the difference at Noose Lane as stubborn Sporting held off a team boasting prolific goal-getters Ben Haseley and Lee Chilton at bay.

He said: “I was purring after the game because we could have score two or three goals.

“It was a very good team display against a strong side but we’ve got to keep our foot on the pedal.

“This result is a benchmark for us we have to maintain this standard throughout the season.”

Sporting are set to seal the deal for defensive central midfielder Ahmed Ali, who has previously played in the lower leagues or Dutch football.

Sporting have received international clearance for the 6ft 2in powerhouse.

Midfielder Nathan Walker is also set to sign as Smith completes building his squad.

Striker Chris Conway, who is enjoying a fine pre-season, also signed a deal to remain at the club.

Bromsgrove, who played Walsall Wood in a friendly on Tuesday night, entertain Stratford at home on Saturday and go to Halesowen Town next Tuesday (7.45pm ko).

Bromsgrove Sporting fixtures - August: Sat 6 Heath Hayes A (FA Cup EPR); Sat 13 Southam United H; Wed 17 Littleton A; Tue 23 Hinckley AFC H; Sat 27 Cadbury Athletic A; Mon 29 Heather St Johns A. September: Sat 3 Stafford Town A; Sat 10 Ellistown & Ibstock United A (F A Vase 1QR); Sat 17 Coventry Copsewood A; Tue 20 Sporting Khalsa H (Polymac Packaging League Cup 1R); October - Sat 1 Pelsall Villa A.