WORCESTER men's firsts played some of their best hockey of the season in a 4-2 home defeat to third-placed Belper.
The city side are still searching for their first win from eight games at the bottom of the Warwick Printing Midlands League Premier Division.
But Worcester, who visit fellow winless side West Bridgford on Saturday, took a 2-0 lead against their high-flying visitors.
However, great goalkeeping from Tom Dalton kept Worcester in the game.
As the first half progressed, the hosts were able to retain more possession.
A superb strike from Rob Goodman gave Worcester the lead after 15 minutes.
During the following 15 minutes, the team played their best hockey of the season with Steve Miles and Rich Stocks at the heart of it.
It culminated in a sweeping move with a pinpoint cross from Will Hood crashed home by Goodman.
But Belper got a deserved goal just before half-time.
The second period was tough for a tiring Worcester defence as Belper played the faster hockey and scored three goals to lead 4-2.
Despite a flurry of attacks late in the game, Worcester could not score again.
The women's firsts moved off the bottom of Midland League Division Two with their second win of the season, beating Towcester 2-1 at home.
Worcester visit Belper seconds on Saturday.
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