AN under-strength Worcester men’s side rallied to secure a fine 3-2 home win over Belper in the Warwick Printing Midland Hockey League Premier Division.

They missed players due to injuries and a shaky start saw them go a goal down in the first minute.

But Worcester then bossed the first half to lead 2-1 at the break.

A fine attack down the right saw Chris Perry deflect the ball skilfully from the baseline for Joe Schubert to slot home.

Then brother Tom Schubert converted a penalty corner shortly after.

Continuing their attacking style early in the second half Worcester handed lots of possession over to Belper who seemed likely to equalise.

But the wise old heads in Worcester’s defence took control and helped retain possession once more.

Excellent performances from Chris Finch and keeper James Gerrish ensured Worcester did not concede under pressure.

Under 16s debutant Rory Simons showed fine skills and grew in confidence despite a huge step up to give a tiring Belper defence an exhausting run-around.

Joe Schubert created a penalty corner opportunity which Tom Schubert converted to relieve the pressure at 3-1.

Belper scored a second five minutes from time but seventh-placed Worcester, who are one place and seven points behind with a game in hand, looked in control.

They travel to play Loughborough Town and then Barford Tigers this weekend in a double-header.

Worcester seconds lost 7-1 at Bridgnorth in the West Midlands Premier with Jeremy Drake scoring.

The thirds fell 4-1 to Sutton Coldfield in Midlands One and the fourths slipped 3-2 at Harborne fifths in the West Midlands Premier.

In South West One, Worcester sixths lost 3-2 at Edgbaston sixths but the sevenths drew 3-3 with Sutton Coldfield sixths.

Worcester eighths lost 4-2 at Redditch fourths in South West Two. 

The city dominated for the first 10 minutes but conceded a careless goal and then a controversial penalty flick to go two down.

Worcester played their best hockey for the last 10 minutes of the first half and a fine move provided their man of the match Ryan Russell with an easy finish.

They started strongly in the second period and George Pawson levelled.

But Worcester disagreed with the official’s decisions, including a controversial green card for the impressive Stee Preater.

Their heads went down and Redditch scored two more goals to seal victory.

Worcester women’s firsts could not stop leaders University of Nottingham in Midlands Division Two as they crashed 8-3 at home.

In the Worcestershire League, the seconds lost 6-3 to Bournville in Division One and the thirds went down 3-0 at Stourport fourths in Division Two.