JON Ford's exertions in the London Marathon may have scuppered his chances of turning out for Bromsgrove Rovers in their vital Midland Alliance clash at Chasetown tomorrow (3pm).

Rovers' joint player-manager is reportedly stiff after completing the 26 miles in a time of around 4hrs 30mins.

Fellow manager Gary Hackett was full of praise for his colleague but could not resist poking a bit of fun at the veteran. He said: "Considering he didn't have the right sort of training he did very well, it's just a shame he got beaten by Charlie Dimmock and a 74-year-old woman."

If Rovers win their last three games they will finish first or second and almost certainly be promoted to the Dr Martens League.

"Nothing will be decided until the end of the season so we have just got to win our last three games," he said.

"We beat Chasetown comfortably about a month ago but they will be looking for revenge so it won't be easy and as results have proved you cannot take anything for granted."