WORCESTER men’s firsts opened their Warwick Printing Midlands League Division One season with a 4-3 home win over Telford and Wrekin.

They started poorly by deflecting the ball into their own net after only two minutes.

But Worcester did not let the goal affect them and levelled five minutes later when Chris Perry deflected in Rob Riddell’s powerful shot from their only short corner.

Both sides created chances but Tom Schubert put the hosts ahead on 25 minutes with a penalty stroke after combining with his brother Joe, who was brought down by the keeper.

Jonathan Sprague calmly flicked the ball into the top corner to make it three from captain Riddell’s pass.

Three minutes before half-time, substitute Richard Stocks outpaced the Telford defenders to fire home.

The visitors threw everything at Worcester in the second period and pulled a goal back from a short corner.

Worcester, who visit Edgbaston on Saturday, defended well and only conceded again three minutes from time.

Meanwhile, Worcester women sealed their second straight Midlands League Division Two win with a 3-1 triumph at Uttoxeter.

Their patient play eventually saw a well-worked set-piece stopped on the line by a defender’s body.

The resulting flick was put away by Clare Hayes before more Worcester pressure resulted in a second from Helen Barnes after a short corner.

The visitors led 3-0 by half-time when Hayes slotted home her second goal following a fine move.

Uttoxeter pulled one back in the second period but Worcester’s defence otherwise held firm. Worcester visit Stourport seconds on Saturday.