POWICK entertained Barbourne in this Sunday WFA Premier Cup first round match and started with an understrength side as five regular players were unavailable.

POWICK 3, NEW AFC BARBOURNE 2

The game began well for Powick, after five minutes good work down the left on a very wet and sticky pitch by Ben Bullman and Mike Pearson enabled Dean Drinkwater to net the first of his two goals.

Ten minutes into the game Barbourne pulled a goal back after a mix up in defence allowed the Barbourne striker to slip the ball past stand in keeper Stuart Hart.

On 35 minutes Stuart Hart pulled off a marvellous save when Barbourne were awarded a free kick just outside the box. This spurred on Powick and from the corner the ball was cleared to Stuart Fish, who passed forward to Steve Hadley. He crossed to Dean Drinkwater to volley home a fine goal. Just before half time, 17-year- old Ben Bullman nearly increased Powick's lead when his shot was just tipped over the bar.

The second half started with both sides playing good football but the Powick midfield of Taylor, Bullman, Price and Hadley had to work hard to keep the ball.

Powick went close when Jamie Boswell picked the ball up in midfield beat two defenders and his thunderous shot was tipped around the post. In the 75th minute Powick were awarded a free kick. This time Mark Taylor fired low past the wall into the net to make it 3-1.

The next 15 minutes saw Barbourne going forward at every opportunity and the Powick defence of Fish, Boswell, Pearson and Skilton had to be on their toes.

In injury time Barbourne scored from a free kick to make the score 3-2.

Man of the match was Dean Drinkwater.

Next Sunday Powick are away to Exel Star & Garter in a cup match. Players meet Sunny Lodge 9am or McDonalds, Blackpole, 9.30am.