HOCKEY: Sizzling Stourport prevented a shock by defeating National League Division Two table-toppers Nottingham 3-1 in the Hockey Association Cup third round.

During the lead-up to the season, there was talk of various coaches coming to take over from David Knott who dropped down to the seconds to spend more time with his family.

None materialised so their sound start reflects well on head coach Martin Lindley and managers Phil Lashford and Holly Tromans.

In the cup, Stourport gave some of their fringe players a chance and they acquitted themselves well to earn a trip to Wimbledon.

They were two ahead at half-time through Laith El Khabib and Shilen Tanna.

Eventually, the visitors beat Ben Taylor in the last quarter but a Josh Tomlinson flick settled the tie in the last minute.

Stourport: Taylor, Pocknell, Ward, Lindley, Brotherton, Edwards, Tanna, Willicombe, De Souza, Westhead, El Khabib. Subs used: R John, N Gray, Tomlinson. Not used: I Evans, M Simkin.

The rest of the club won their matches, except for the fifths who are struggling in a league that is far too strong for their players.

The seconds hammered Barford Tigers 6-2, the thirds beat the same club 3-0 and the fourths beat Leek 2-1.

Cannock trashed the fifths 6-1, while the sixths defeated Kidderminster 2-0 and the veterans thumped Chaddesley Corbett 7-1.

Worcester Norton 2nds 5

Stourport Ladies 1

Despite levelling the scores before half-time, Stourport Ladies collapsed in the second half of their Worcestershire First Division match.

Worcester took the lead after 10 minutes but their advantage did not last long as captain Fran Long equalised from a short-corner 10 minutes later.

Neither side could find another opening before the interval and after the break the home side dominated.

Stourport are still looking for their first league victory of the season.

Stourport 2nds 3

Kings Heath 0

The seconds extended their unbeaten run in the Worcestershire Second Division with a convincing victory.

Stourport's captain Teri Baron converted from the middle of the D in the 13th minute to put the home side ahead.

Jess Trundle missed a penalty flick 10 minutes later but Kim Whitehouse scored following a short corner after the break.

Stourport were in complete control, leaving their goalkeeper with nothing to do. Another Baron strike sealed the victory.

Bromsgrove 2 Stourport 3rds 2

Stourport gained their first point in the Worcestershire Division Three when they twice fought back to draw with their rivals.

Fielding a stronger field, Stourport were a goal down after five minutes from a penalty corner but equalised on 20 minutes through Pauline Knott.

With 10 minutes of the half left, Bromsgrove regained the lead.

But Stourport's marking tightened and they pushed forward, taking a well-deserved share of the points with a Kerry Walker strike 10 minutes from time.

Megan Fisher did well on her debut for the club at right-back.

Fixtures, Saturday, Men: Leek v 2nds, 3rds v Coventry & North Warwickshire, Shrewsbury v 4ths, 5ths v Kings Heath 4ths, 6ths v Sutton Coldfield 5ths, Walsall v Badgers. Ladies: Worcester Norton 2nds v 1sts, Malvern v 2nds, 3rds v Droitwich 2nds (1pm).

Fixtures, Sunday, Men: 1sts v Barford Tigers (National League Division One, 2pm), Barford Tigers v Veterans (Cup).