BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Bren Kelly launched into his players after they slumped to a home defeat to Hitchin on Saturday - vowing: "If they don't want it, I'll get others in who do".

Sporting slipped to their fifth home reverse of the season, with only a Will Shorrock consolation to show for their performance in a 2-1 defeat.

And Kelly - who now admits he feels their fairytale title challenge looks to be over - pulled no punches in summing up his side's showing.

He said: "Hitchin deserved to win because they wanted it more, which concerns me massively.

"I have told the players I will get people in who do want it - I reckon we carried nine of them in the first half, which is not acceptable.

"We are probably out of the title race now, it looks like a bridge too far after Saturday, and it's a shame for the fans who again turned out in huge numbers.

"We were ignoring the simple passes and hitting it too long, which is not what I want them to do, and not showing bravery by wanting the ball.

"It's baffling me as to why our home form isn't what it should be, given our away record is so good."

The Rouslers hit the road again this weekend when they travel to Nuneaton Borough, in what will be Kelly's 100th game in charge of the Victoria Ground outfit.

Sporting currently sit in third place in the Southern League Premier Central Division, five points adrift of leaders Tamworth, who also have two games in hand.