BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Paul Smith is still waiting to see whether goalkeeper Chris Jay can recover from injury in time to face Bristol Manor Farm in the last 16 of the FA Vase later this month.

Smith had to draft in veteran shotstopper Neil Leech for the previous round at Sun Sports but admitted the situation wasn't ideal.

Busy Smith has brought in Kidderminster Harriers goalkeeper John Brown on a month's loan who made his debut in the important 2-1 win at Hinckley AFC last Saturday.

But Brown is unable to play in the Vase as he is a full time professional with Harriers.

Smith said: "Chris Jay is trying to get himself fit for the Vase game on January 28 but if not I'll have to consider bringing another goalkeeper in.

"Neil Leech is available, but he's in his early 40's now and I don't want to put that type of pressure on him for such an important game."

The Rouslers underlined their title credentials with a 2-1 win at Hinckley and Smith was under no illusions about the importance, he said: "It was a huge, huge, game. I consider Hinckley to be one of our closest rivals for the title and I thought the 2-1 scoreline flattered them. We missed a number of early chances which could have put us out of sight after 20 minutes.

"Hinckley had more possession as the game went on and tried to put us under the cosh, but they couldn't breakdown our two banks of four."

Goals from Jason Cowley and Reece Hewitt put Sporting in charge but a late strike from Hinckley substitute Darious Darkin set up a tense finish and Smith admitted: "It got a bit nerve-jangling at times."

Sporting face the other half of Hinckley, Leicester Road, this Saturday at the Victoria Ground and Smith describes it as the third of four games that could well define their season.

Smith said: "I relish this pressure. We're the only side from Step one to six that is unbeaten this season. We've got the whole town buzzing and we live for days like these.

"I've got a squad of 20 players and they're all behind the side. Even the ones who are not in the 16 to play still turn up to support the others.

"I made four changes from the line-up which beat Sun Sports against Hinckley and it didn't weaken the side one bit."

SPORTING are selling tickets in advance of the FA Vase game in a bid to ease pressure on the turnstiles as a large crowd is anticipated.

However, the club stress the match is not all ticket and normal prices will apply, £6 adults, £4 OAP's £2 youngsters under 18 or in full time education while under-12's are free if accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be obtained from The Victoria Ground (07415-923555), Midland Waterlife, 20 The Strand, Bromsgrove (01527 879207), The Hop Pole Inn, 78 Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove (01527 870100), The Crabmill Inn, 122 Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove (01527 832063) and Oakville Flooring, 11, Raddlebarn Road, Birmingham ( 0121-471-2444).