Ludlow 2, Pershore 2

PERSHORE'S opening DTZ West Midlands Division Two game of the season began with a fierce attack from the hosts which resulted in a good save from debutant Will Sherman and a goalline clearance.

Despite this close shave, Pershore took the lead from a short corner which was initially well saved by the Ludlow keeper but the rebound fell to Whiting who slotted the ball into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Ludlow then had a series of attacks that saw Junior, also making his debut, produce a number of well-timed tackles. His efforts, however, weren't enough to stop Ludlow scoring before half-time.

The second half was a more physical affair with Ludlow taking a 2-1 lead early on and Pershore receiving three green triangles and yet another yellow card for Ridsdale.

The last ten minutes of the game belonged to Pershore, now back up to the full complement of players, and Whiting scored his second from an acute angle and was unlucky not to complete his hat-trick and take all three points for his side.

Pershore will look to improve for the next DTZ fixture at home against Whitchurch on Saturday.

Pershore II 5, Ludlow II 2

THIS was a comfortable win in the first DTZ League match of the new season.

Pershore were always on top although they failed to convert easy chances and it was 15 minutes before the deadlock was broken.

The goal arrived courtesy of a powerful aerial flick from new captain, Mark Passmore following a short corner from Mike Handley.

Handley then converted straight form a corner and son, Rob, who again impressed at centre forward, scored the third from a tight angle after good work from Chris Smith to make it 3-0 at half-time.

As often happens in an easy game, Pershore relaxed too much in the second half and Ludlow scored from only their second attack.

This made Pershore concentrate a little more and Passmore scored two more to record his first ever hat-trick.

Several easy chances went begging before Ludlow broke away to again find the net.

A game that could have been won 10-0 finished 5-2, a disappointing final scoreline but a similar result at Rugeley on Saturday will be welcomed by all at the club.