BROMSGROVE Rovers' assistant manager Bernard Mackey believes it is too early for the club to start panicking over the team's poor run of results.

Despite losing three games in a week, manager Jimmy Mullen's worst run of results since he joined in November, his loyal assistant is confident the club's dreams of promotion are still on track.

Defeat to Evesham on Saturday meant that Rovers slipped out of the play-off places in the Southern League Division One West.

Mackey told the Advertiser/Messenger there was still a long way to go.

He said: " There's no point panicking about some bad results.

"Jimmy and I still feel confident that we can make it into the play-offs.

"We still want to finish in the top two, but there's a big points gap.

"When you compare our record since Jimmy and I took over its better than Mangotsfield's, but there was a huge gap to close."

Rovers can lift the gloom which has descended over the Victoria Ground after recent results by beating Burnham at home on Saturday and Thame away next Tuesday (February 8).

The manager will be forced to field a weakened team for Saturday's match, with goalkeeper Matt Lowe completing his three match suspension.

Striker Leon Mitchell also misses the game with injury, while midfielder Riad Erraji is suspended.

New signing Ravi Sangha, acquired from Evesham last week, may start.

Former Tamworth forward Rory May could be set to play some part if he agrees to join Rovers this week.

May has been a long term target for Rovers' management team and was linked with the club as a replacement for Arthur Appleton.

The forward was set to play in the Reserves' Central Conference match against Worcester City on Tuesday night.

Mullen criticised Evesham player Simon Fitter after he high-kicked Mark Benbow during Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Evesham.

After the match the manager said: "It was the worst tackle I've seen in 20-years and a cowardly thing to do."

Mackey also could not understand why the winger was not sent off by referee Mr Sinclair.

He said: "It was a terrible tackle and all he got was a yellow card."

* The Victoria Club is holding a quiz night on February 4 (Friday, 7.30pm start).

By Peter McKinney