WORCESTER remained bottom of the Warwick Printing Midlands Men's Hockey League Premier Division despite an improved display.

The hosts withstood early pressure in the 4-2 defeat as Lichfield played at a quicker pace.

Saves from keeper Tom Dalton kept Worcester in the game. 

As the first half progressed they made better use of their possession with Rob Goodman and Josh White going close.

But Lichfield scored first and for a moment Worcester's players looked deflated. 

A switch to a more aggressive game-plan saw Worcester win the territorial battle.

A pinpoint pass from Seb Hood found Jack Ferman in the D and his reverse-shot levelled.

But a second Lichfield goal put them ahead at the break.

Although the visitors went further ahead, Worcester continued to compete.

Their man of the match Steve Miles and Ollie Ranscombe kept trying to attack.

A deserved second goal from Will Hood closed the gap.

As a tiring Worcester side went for the equaliser, Lichfield capitalised on a counter-attack and scored a fourth.

Worcester visit Rugby and East Warwickshire on Saturday.

The seconds won 6-3 at Burton in Midlands One while the thirds beat Sutton Coldfield 2-0.

Worcester fourths drew 4-4 with Barford Tigers fourths in the West Midlands Premier and the fifths lost 2-0 at Olton and West Warwick fourths.

The sevenths shocked the sixths with a 4-2 win in South West Division One.

In Division Two, Worcester eighths won 4-3 at Olton sixths after taking a 3-0 lead through Stephen Preater (2) and Alex Gough.

But Worcester conceded before half-time and Olton levelled in the second period.

Not helped by three soft green cards to two of their players, the visitors rallied and Ben Gough scored a deflected winner.

Promising junior Alfie Russell impressed at right-back.

Worcester women lost 2-0 at home to Solihull Blossomfield in Midlands Division Two.