BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Brendan Kelly praised his players for their battling qualities this week after they claimed a 4-0 win at bottom side Kidlington.

Kelly said: "I saw a side to the players which I haven't seen before and I was surprised just how well they battled and put themselves around.

"The game was a potential banana-skin played on a pitch that more resembled a beach.

"One look at the pitch and we knew it wasn't a day for pretty football.

"But the energy and commitment which players put in was tremendous and eventually the quality shone through. It was a real professional show".

Kelly held his breath as Liam Spink came through 90 minutes without mishap on his return from a double fracture.

He admitted: "I winced early on when he came through a 50-50 tackle, but we had a really solid game".

Richard Gregory rifled home a couple of goals and remains the league's leading goalscoring with 19 goals, while Mike McGrath and Josh Quaynor were also on the mark.

The Rouslers were due to play their re-arranged game with Didcot Town this week before travelling to Dunstable Town this Saturday.

Kelly again paid tribute to Sporting's travelling support and claimed: "Kidlington's previous home game only attracted 38 supporters.

"They gave the gate as 190 against us, 150 of which must have been from Bromsgrove. They never cease to amaze me.

"The atmosphere at some of our home games has been red-hot recently and I have to thank the support we've received from Bromsgrove Sporting Colts and their parents.

The support is very much appreciated".

Kelly has clinched the signing of former Stafford Rangers player Kieren Westwood from Stratford Town.

Westwood is seen as a ready made replacement for Will Shorrock who is likely to sidelined for a significant period and was expected to have surgery later this week on his shoulder.

Kelly stressed: "I don't expect to see Will until the end of March at the earliest. We've also got Jack Wilson missing for a game which is why I wanted someone to fill their position.

"I served a total of four seven day notices as a result but once I'd heard that Kieren was interested, I never pursued any of the other targets."