Bishampton 2, Droitwich Spa 1

BISHAMPTON turned in a much-improved performance to beat Droitwich and avenge an earlier defeat.

The game started at a lively pace with play swinging from end to end. Droitwich created the first opportunity but Bishampton retaliated with a chance of their own when Mark Taylor played Nick Turner in but his shot was well saved by Simon Denby. Rob Bille then produced a fine save at the other end to deny Matthew Rees.

As the half wore on the home team began to dictate the play and only fine saves by Denby, from Matt Bicknell and Mark Brimmell, kept Droitwich in the game.

The second half of a match sponsored by Dudley's Coaches, saw Bishampton keep up the momentum and the breakthrough came after 58 minutes.

After being in fine form throughout, Denby unfortunately dropped a cross when under pressure and the ball rolled loose for Andrew Murphy to knock it in from six yards.

However, the lead lasted only four minutes when a goalmouth scramble saw the ball run free to Parr who converted from close-range.

Play now evened out but eventually Bishampton began to have the better of the game and Denby again excelled with two more good saves to deny almost certain goals.

United finally got the goal they deserved when Greg Mason and Taylor combined to set up Carlo Longhi at the far post and he put his shot beyond Denby's reach.

Both sides ended the game with ten men with Bicknell the home player seeing red as his side comfortably held on to the lead and claim the three points.