WORCESTER crashed to a 6-1 defeat at Loughborough Town in the Midlands Men's League Premier Division despite taking the lead.

For the second week after a cagey start, Worcester went ahead when a skilful run from Joe Schubert won a penalty corner which was expertly converted by his brother Tom.

It was slightly against the run of play and despite a few decent saves from keeper James Gerrish Loughborough soon equalised.

As the second half progressed Worcester played with less confidence.

With 20 minutes left Loughborough went ahead for the first time and then it was all one-way as they scored four more.

There is plenty for bottom-of-the-table Worcester to work on after the first two games.

The seconds, featuring a number of debutants, won a friendly 4-2 at Lichfield.

Lichfield were 2-1 up at half-time with Worcester scoring when Rob Goodman slotted home James Neal's pass. 

Young Worcester players Cam Davidson and Max Butterfield then dominated as Goodman converted a well-worked short corner.

Rees Bonham buried a reverse-stick shot to give them the lead for the first time.

Then Seb Hood combined with Matt Hooper to head up the pitch and finish off the fine passing move he had started.

Worcester eighths lost 5-3 at home to higher-ranked Burton sixths in their final friendly before the league season. 

The city side were 4-1 down by half-time after too many errors with Andrew Pritchard scoring their lone goal.

Worcester conceded early in the second period but then improved their shape and Russ Boatman scored twice.

Worcester Badgers Pippins drew 1-1 with Lichfield with all the goals arriving in the second half.

Lichfield went ahead following a breakaway but with 10 minutes left Chloe Mackellar scored a deserved equaliser from close range.