BROMYARD Town were edged out by title-chasing visitors Bewdley Town 1-0 in the West Midlands League premier division.

With five first-team regulars missing, Bromyard were under pressure for most of the first-half but defenders Gareth McCarthy and Dave McManus were in fine form.

After the break, Bromyard got more into the game and enjoyed more possession.

But neither side looked like scoring until the 65th minute when a good move by Bromyard, involving Stuart Wiles and Alex Taffe, brought out a tremendous save by the visiting 'keeper.

Three minutes later, Bewdley got the all-important goal when a floated free-kick was headed on to the back post where Jan Mulders had a simple nod-in from close range.

Sloppy defending by Bromyard gave Bewdley the points although the home team pressed hard for an equaliser.

Bromyard host Bustleholme tonight, while Bewdley are at home to Pelsall Villa.

Meanwhile, Pershore Town's bad start in the Midland Combination premier division continued. They went down 4-1 at home to Massey Ferguson, despite Tim Beattie giving Town an early lead.

In division one, Archdales '73 returned with a 1-0 win at reigning champions Knowle.

They were aided by a man-of-the-match performance from 'keeper Carl Preece.

Knowle controlled the first-half with experienced forward Mark Robinson causing the 'Dales several problems but was denied twice by Preece who was on top form.

In the second-half, the visitors started to impose themselves with Ashley Banner driving them on in midfield.

Lee Seldon went close to scoring but Chris Knott kept him out in the Knowle goal.

Mick Hartshorne also nearly found the target before Banner struck as his 25 yard free-kick screamed in off the far post.

The final 15 minutes was a case of 'Dales under pressure trying to defend Knowle's long ball onslaught.

Preece saved superbly from Matt North, Jason Hall and Sean Cairney to give 'Dales an excellent victory.