WORCESTER NORTON 1sts 4 WEST BRIDGFORD 3

WITH only three games to go in DTZ Midlands Division One, Worcester Norton men's first team are in pole position to be promoted to the Midlands Premier League after a tough win at home to West Bridgford.

They now have three of the bottom four sides left to play.

This was easily the toughest game remaining and by winning Worcester have gone a long way towards a third successive promotion.

But after five minutes it was clear that nothing was guaranteed and the home side were facing a tough afternoon.

Within five minutes the visitors had gone 1-0 up when poor defending gave the Nottingham -based side the lead, which they doubled a few minutes later.

The character of Worcester's side has not been tested many times this season, but the determination and spirit shone through as they fought back and pulled a goal back within seconds of the re-start through Jon Sprague.

West Bridgford regained their two goal lead after sloppy defending and goalkeeping let them in. After a few minutes Worcester got themselves back into the game with an brilliantly executed set-piece from a free hit which saw England star Alex Kotlarzewski score.

After the half-time break Worcester began to assert themselves with their higher fitness levels showing through and their desire to win far higher than the visitors.

Early in the half Sprague scored a fantastic reverse stick goal to equalise before smart thinking from the other England star Chris Adams allowed Sprague to complete his hat-trick.

Worcester are away to Solihull Blossomfield on Saturday (1pm).