SECOND-placed Droitwich Spa beat fellow high-fliers Worcester thirds 6-1 in Worcestershire Women’s Hockey League Division Two to keep up the pressure on leaders Stourport thirds.

Spa started slowly, giving the ball away too easily in the opening period.

However, the nerves were settled when up popped stand-in captain Lucy Hine to dispatch a powerful shot low into the goal from a penalty corner.

Soon after, Droitwich doubled their advantage when Hannah Lee was in the right place at the right time to nutmeg the Worcester keeper.

After the break, Worcester started with greater belief and reduced the arrears early on.

Despite this setback, Droitwich’s confidence grew as the women pushed higher up the pitch, making it more difficult for the city side to relieve the pressure.

Spa attacked the wings and created further opportunities for Caroline Sidell, whose poaching instincts netted her four goals and took the team’s total to 54 in the league.

Droitwich have the return fixture on Saturday at Worcester.

Spa seconds lost 1-0 at home to Bromsgrove fourths in a keenly-fought Division Three derby.

The hosts used all their experience in defence, constantly getting sticks and bodies in the way to thwart attacks.

Droitwich used the pace of their youngsters to create chances but they could not be taken by Sam Wakelam or Gabriella Prendiville.

They were caught out by a sucker punch as the leaders sneaked a winner with 10 minutes to go.

The men’s seconds lost 3-1 at Streetly in Warwick Printing League West Midlands Division Two when trying to build on their good start to 2016.

Spa’s good form looked like continuing as David Hindle opened the scoring but Streetly scored three unanswered goals.

Droitwich continued to work hard but were left frustrated as they could not finish off their other opportunities.

The thirds beat Streetly 3-0 in West Midlands Division One and started brightly as Joe Brett linked the play up well.

Brett brought other players into the game, switching the ball out to the right to allow Zak Allsop to set up Tommy Ross, who was unlucky not to score.

Streetly carried a threat going forward as their skilful midfield released their quick young players, hitting Spa on the break but the defence coped with the threat.

Droitwich scored three quick goals in the first half to give them their fourth victory of the season with Brett and Callum Turner (2).