DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club returned to West Midlands Men’s League Division One action with a 4-1 home defeat to leaders Redditch.

The visitors tried to create pressure with high balls, while Spa used strength and pace up-front with Matt Lee and Craig Timmis.

Lee’s effort was smothered before Redditch were denied by keeper George Robertshaw and Brett Gwillam.

Lee and Timmis combined but the away keeper made a sprawling stop to prevent Lee Wakelam reaching the rebound.

Redditch had a player green carded but Spa could not capitalise.

Lee scampered down the wing and won a penalty corner but the resulting shot was well saved.

His effort was then cleared by the keeper and Wakelam was also denied again.

But Redditch showed their ruthlessness in front of goal late in the half from a short corner as their captain fired home off a rebound.

Lee went close again before levelling with his fifth goal of the season early in the second period.

However, Redditch scored three more to show why they top the table.

Spa head to Yardley on Saturday looking to cement their mid-table position.

The seconds lost 5-3 at West Midlands Division Two leaders Redditch despite Peter Gurr and Callam Turner firing them ahead.

But Redditch recovered to lead 5-2 by the break before Spa’s second-half efforts were rewarded with a David Purchase strike from a penalty corner.

Spa Badgers beat Bromsgrove Red 2-1 to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches.

George Battin and John Phillips were on target after Bromsgrove levelled with 10 minutes left.

Spa women’s seconds thrashed Tenbury 5-0 in a friendly thanks to Jenny Hewlett (2), Gabriella Prendiville, Emily Haskell and Rachel Handley.