Bromsgrove 1st XI 2 Droitwich 1st XI 4

BROMSGROVE'S hopes of a late promotion surge in the West Midlands League Division One were shot down by sharp shooting leaders Droitwich on Saturday.

While Droitwich cemented their place at the top in the final league game of 2004, defeat ensured Bromsgrove slipped closer to the bottom rather than the top.

Spa captain Paul Atkinson felt his side had the upper hand throughout.

He said: "We switched off and let Bromsgrove back in, but apart from 20 minutes we controlled the game."

Droitwich made a strong start to the game, as goals for Jamie Broughton and Ed Deacon handed them a 2-0 lead at the break.

Bromsgrove were encouraged to come forward after Atkinson was sin-binned for arguing at the referee.

Despite the return of Atkinson the Boars' pressure told and they scored through Mark Robinson's penalty flick.

Droitwich responded powerfully and Deacon stretched his side's lead to 3-1.

Bromsgrove hit back again through Julian Priest, but Barry Williams bagged Spa's fourth to ensure victory.

Atkinson said: "We came on strong at the end to make sure we won.

"It means we go into league's break as the leaders and that's important."

Spa take on Blossomfield away on Saturday in a friendly encounter.

On Sunday Droitwich were knocked out of the Hockey Association Vase by Manchester side Urnston.

Despite pulling a goal back to level the scores, Droitwich were undone by two second half goals.

Atkinson said: "We played some nice hockey in the first half, but lost concentration in the second and let Urnston score a couple of goals."

Droitwich 3rd XI 1 Finchfield 3rd XI 1

Craig Timmins scored for Spa in the team's final league game before Christmas.

Droitwich 4th XI 9 Kings Heath Pickwick 1

Tom Akrell (2), Jamie Oakes, Matt Derbyshire (2) and Sean Dickson scored for Droitwich.