Pershore I 1, Droitwich 2

IN the final DTZ West Midlands first division game before the Christmas break Pershore were desperately chasing a much-needed win against a team they often struggle against.

The match began at a steady pace, with neither side wishing to concede an early goal. However, about 15 minutes in, Droitwich were awarded a penalty flick which was duly dispatched.

Shortly afterwards, a short corner led to a second goal and Pershore came under the cosh but superb defending by Hawkes, Brown and Mazurek kept them at bay.

Five minutes before the break, Hughes reverse scooped the ball into the far corner for 2-1 and Pershore started to take the game to Droitwich.

The second half was a hard-fought affair with green cards going to Rushin and Rushton.

Hard work from Hughes jnr, Ridsdale and Attwood up front helped Pershore defend from the front and good support from the midfield helped them attack and defend in numbers.

However it wasn't to be their day and a fine save from a shot by Ridsdale, a post hit from a short corner and a couple more fine saves from the Droitwich keeper, in addition to two good appeals for penalty flicks turned down saw the visitors happy to have gained all three points.