BEWDLEY Town recovered from a first-half deficit to beat visiting Cradley Town Reserves 2-1 in West Midlands League Division One South.

Chris Hough volleyed wide in only the fourth minute and then Keith Elliot went close after fine work by Paul Edwards.

But Cradley snatched an 18th-minute lead when Levi Bayley crossed for Wesley Graham to head in from six yards past keeper Jim Pickett who returned for the injured Mark Foster.

Richard Ward almost doubled the advantage for the visitors when his effort just beat the bar on 27 minutes.

But Bewdley started the second period better and soon equalised when Pickett's long kick fell to Hough who headed over the advancing keeper Tim Beech.

The home side's hopes of a much-needed win were hit when they were reduced to 10 men in the 63rd minute as Tom Stewart walked for foul and abusive language towards an assistant referee.

Pickett made a superb save from Stuart How who looked dangerous throughout the match.

And it proved vital as Hough won two challenges in midfield 10 minutes from time and fed Elliot who finished superbly to give Bewdley the points.

Bewdley's defensive trio of Dave Knight, John Hardiman and Andrew Ford were again outstanding.

The players are asked to meet at the Waggon and Horses pub on Saturday for 12.30pm before they head to Bilston Town.