BROMYARD Town failed to get off to the start they needed in the West Midlands League Premier Division as they slipped 2-1 at home to Heath Hayes.

In an average overall display, Town dominated play for the first half-hour and were eventually rewarded with the opener on 38 minutes.

Chris Allen opened the scoring with a low drive from Andy Crowther's cross but then Bromyard's negative approach cost them.

In a goalmouth scramble, Jamie Banks deliberately handballed on the line and was sent off but Hayes failed to convert the spot-kick before the interval.

Ten-man Bromyard tried to hang on to their slender lead and held out until the 75th minute.

But two goals in as many minutes by Chris Whitehouse and Richard Hewitt, as the home side's tiredness turned into errors, gifted them the points.

Bromyard entertain Wellington tonight (7.45), while Malvern Town Reserves face Malvern Rangers in Division One.

Bromyard reserves were beaten 5-0 at Wolverhampton Development in Division Two though Kieran Powis, Paul Jones and Neil Berry all played well.

Back in the Premier Division, Tom Stewart netted for Bewdley Town but they lost 2-1 at Tividale in their first game at the highest level.

Danny Hill (two) and Lee Ferneyhough scored for Wellington in a 3-1 victory over Wolves Casuals.

Pershore Town lost their first Midland Combination Premier Division game of the season 1-0 at home to Brocton.

Archdales '73, promoted to Division One, lost 2-0 at Loughborough in an entertaining encounter.

Dales weathered an early storm with Sam Green and Jason Beck both going close before they went on to boss the second-half.

But Beck was denied by two excellent Pat Bowkett saves as was Gordy Beauchamp.

Loughborough snatched the lead through Elvy Manunebo's floated free-kick with 15 minutes left.

The hosts added a late second through a penalty following a foul from the otherwise excellent debutant Aaron Mason.