Handrahan Timbers 0, Pershore Town 1

TOWN made hard work of Saturday's Midland Combination Premier Division test but they were relieved to pocket the points after recent troubles.

The only goal of the game came from Simon Brain, who blasted a 58th minute penalty into the roof of the net after a foul on full back Dean Emerson.

The margin of victory should have been more convincing but attacking faults were all too plain to see.

The defence, however, with Emerson, Colin Fulloway, Tim Concannon and Chris Jew in inspired form and was rarely troubled although Paul Taylor should really have done better just before the break when shooting tamely at Neil Turner.

Brain and Jon Gregory worked tirelessly in midfield and it was something of a surprise that Pershore hadn't made the game safe before Brain's clincher.

The visitors were well on top in the opening half but weak finishing prevented them taking the lead.

Ian Stewart's volley after eight minutes after Paul Jones's flicked header deserved better while Stewart then turned provider to send Rickie Halion clear but he shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Matt Lunn had Handrahan's first chance soon after but shot over the bar, the same fate then befell Paul Concannon at the other end after an Emerson cross.

Taylor then fluffed the best chance of the half before Brain finally broke the deadlock from 12 yards.

Turner was forced into a fine save six minutes later to preserve Town's lead when he tipped a Darren Smith blast over the crossbar but that was the last real threat to the Town goal as Colin Shepherd's side returned to winning ways.

Pershore have moved up to fifth in the table and they face reigning champions and current table toppers Nuneaton Griff at King Georges on Saturday (3).

Last night's scheduled game at Redditch against Feckenham was called off due to the fuel crisis.

The club's second string were also in winning mood as a goal from Dean Jones brought them a 1-0 win against Chaddesley Corbett.