NOT many managers are left worrying after their side wins an important cup tie 13-0 but Bromsgrove Sporting boss Paul Smith admits to feeling a little uneasy.
No, the Midland League Division One side didn’t pick up any red cards or injuries as they sealed their place in the FA Vase second round qualifying, where they will travel to Tipton Town.
The problem for Smith was that he couldn’t take the credit for masterminding the club’s biggest ever win against Ellistown & Ibstock – he wasn’t at the game!
The ex-Studley and Alvechurch manager, 39, was spending a weekend away at his property in Catral, southern Spain, but was given a running commentary of the game by text message.
While Smith will take charge of Saturday’s game at Tipton, there could be calls for further trips away in the future!
“I’ve got a small house in Catral, which is 25 minutes from Alicante, and had already planned to go out there for the weekend with a few friends,” he said.
“There’s a bit of talk amongst the camp at the moment that the players can do without me! If we have a bit of a rough patch, I may be asked to go for another weekend away.
“By all accounts the scoreline really tells you that it was a commanding performance from the lads and sometimes you just get a game like that where everything you touch seems to go in.”
Sporting, formed seven years ago after Bromsgrove Rovers crumbled, have finished second three years in a row as they desperately seek to claim the one and only promotion spot.
They’ve started the new Step 6 campaign well with five wins and a draw and while promotion is the aim, Smith says the Vase won’t be treated as a distraction.
“Last year, the big problem for me was that we didn’t score enough goals, but we’ve created and scored a lot so far this season,” he added.
“I’ve personally just missed out in the past two seasons with Bromsgrove, but all you can do is keep having a go at it and we’ve started well. If we keep up the hard work, I believe the players I have put together are capable of having a very good season.
“The Vase is a great competition, I love it. Some decent draws and strong performances can see you have a really good run, which is what we’re aiming to do.”
