BROMSGROVE Sporting booked their place in the FA Vase First Round Proper this week when handed a home tie against fellow Midland League Division One side Cadbury Athletic on October 22.

But the Rouslers made hard working of beating West Midlands League Division One side Tipton Town the reach this stage .

A solitary Chris Lloyd strike on the hour mark separated the sides and Sporting boss Paul Smith admitted: "It was a frustrating game to say the least - but then I wasn't expecting it to be easy especially as Tipton have regrouped this season and are a much better side than the one which got relegated "We were comfortable 1-0 winners. Their goalkeeper Mark Brach was inspired and made three or four tremendous saves, while our goalkeeper Chris Jay didn't have a single shot to deal with.

"I'm not looking for excuses, but their pitch wasn't the greatest, there was a howling wind and Tipton put plenty of people behind the ball.

" But the good thing about cup football is the fact you don't have to win pretty.

"We're through to the next round with a home draw and that's all you can ask for at this stage."

Smith was set to utilise his squad for this week's Smedley Crook Cup game against Midland League Division Three side Inkberrow.

Lukie Onuwsu, Chris Conway, Jake Wilcox, Dale Edwards and Danny Ludlow were all expected to feature along with 17-year-old Alfie Bloom who has impressed Smith playing for Sporting's Under-18's and Under-21's.

Smith said: "I had a busy day last Saturday. I managed the Under-21's in the morning before going to Tipton.

"I also watched the Under-18's last week in their FA Cup game with Halesowen Town. There were a couple of lads who stood out and I'll be looking for them to progress."