BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Brendan Kelly believes the Midland League title is within their own hands as they approach the closing stages of the season.

Sporting currently hold a healthy seven point lead at the top ahead of closest rivals Coleshill Town going into this week's round of games.

Despite being held to a 2-2 draw at Long Eaton United, the Rouslers remain firmly in pole position and Kelly paid tribute to his players this week and said: "It's been a real test of the squad's resolve. But despite all the games being played, we still look relatively fresh and it's a credit to the lads that they look after themselves properly.

"At the moment, I've got a settled side and we know the way in which we want to play.

"Our strikers Richard Gregory and Jason Cowley really compliment each other. If they're not scoring goals, then they're assisting.

"They are a real threat to the opposition and I've already had discussions with them regarding next season.

"Once we've finished what we're focusing on, there will be some announcements.

"What I can report is that everyone is really happy at the moment, even though we haven't won anything yet.

"I was very impressed with Long Eaton. They have some bright, young players who were attack-minded and they really came at us. They thoroughly deserved to be leading 2-0 at half time.

"We had to tweak things a bit during the interval and it was a game of two halves after that. But we were back to our best in the second half and could have gone onto win the game".

The games continue to come thick and fast for the Rouslers.

Following Tuesday's showdown with tenants Worcester City, Sporting travel to bottom side Rocester on Thursday before entertaining next-to-bottom side Haughmond at the The Victoria ground on Saturday.

The following Thursday, April 19, Sporting take on Lye Town in the Worcestershire Senior Urn Final at Kidderminster Harriers ground.

Sporting lost out to Highgate United following a penalty shoot-out in last year's final, but were then handed the trophy after it was discovered Highgate had fielded an illegible player.

Kelly said: "We won the trophy be default last time, but it would be nice to win it properly on this occasion".

Busy Kelly is resigned to losing both Sean Brain and Max Loveridge for the remainder of the season after they picked up injuries against Sporting Khalsa.

He will also be without central defender Craig Jones owing to family issues, but Luke Dugmore looks destined to return.

Kelly will also be without full back Jack Wilson after he picked up a one match ban after being sent off at Long Eaton.

Unhappy Kelly insisted: "It was never a red card! I've seen the footage and it's a one-on-one race for the ball and Jack's used his shoulder. The pair have come down and it's a tangle of legs.