EXPRESS 88 visited Blackpole in this Worcester League Division One fixture and manager Mark Taylor had to make several changes at very short notice due to injuries and other commitments.

BLACKPOLE 4, EXPRESS 88 1

Ben Ash and Duncan McKerracher both made their debuts and left midfielders Nick Hitchings thankfully volunteered to go in goal due to Dave White's injury. Although the mad rush before the game had somewhat disorganised the Express, the starting line up was still very strong.

Both teams began the game keeping things tight and it was Express who twice should have taken the lead only to see Jamie Roberts and Jason Jones pull their shots wide.

Blackpole took the lead after 25 minutes when the defence was opened up and the striker made no mistake from ten yards. Express came back at Blackpole but further efforts from Roberts, Mason and Clarke failed to hit the target before Blackpole extended their lead to 2-0.

On the stroke of half time Rowat and Clarke again went close for Express only to see a goal mouth scramble cleared away to safety.

In the second half Express enjoyed most of the possession but against the run of play Blackpole went 3-0 up.

Substitute Rob Kelly pulled one back for Express and Kelly and Bond might have reduced the deficit again shortly after but it was not to be Express' day. Blackpole finished off the scoring late on to ensure a 4-1 victory.

Thanks go to sponsors MG Joinery.

On Sunday Express are at home to The Bridge, players meet 9.45am at Victoria Park.