BROMSGROVE Rovers' manager Rod Brown has called on his players to use their success in the Southern League Errea Cup as a springboard for the end of the season.

Rovers stunned Southern League Premier Division high-fliers Chippenham Town last week by beating them 2-1 and setting up a mouth-watering cup final.

Rovers will meet the winners of Tuesday night's semi-final between Bedford and Hitchin Town, after the original fixture was rained off last week.

While admitting that promotion is out of Rovers' grasp this season, Brown is confident that the club's cup success could be the catalyst to end a poor season in the Division One West on a high.

He said: "I believe in turning points and this could be a massive one for the team.

"Promotion is probably just a little bit out of our reach but I'd love us to end the season by building a bit of a run.

"It was a fantastic result. Especially because we only had 11 fit players.

"They all ran themselves into the ground and produced a wonderful result against a really good side.

"Getting to the final isn't a fluke and it's not down to luck. We've beaten four top sides to get this far and I think over two legs we've definitely got a chance."

The dates for the final, which is two-legged, have been pencilled in for April 11 and 25, but who has home advantage first has yet to be announced.

Chairman Tom Herbert also lavished praise on the players who guided Rovers to their stunning victory over Chippenham.

Despite having a squad reduced to the bare bones Rovers stunned promotion chasing Chippenham Town to book the club's first cup final since the Bob Lord Trophy in the 95/96 season.

Rovers went into the game missing five first team regulars but goals for Paul Moore and Joe Williams made sure of cup final glory.

A jubilant Herbert said: "It was a brilliant effort by the players.

"They worked their socks off, particularly Delton Francis.

"We've been beating sides from higher divisions all season and it really gives the fans, players and everyone at the club something to look forward to."

Rovers have signed Worcester City midfielder Liam McDonald on a month's loan.

He was not fit to play against Thame last Saturday, but Brown is keeping his fingers crossed he will be available for the home game against Taunton Town this Saturday (3pm kick off).

Rovers' official club website, www.bromsgroveroversfc.co.uk, is also back up running after suffering technical problems last week.

By Peter McKinney