BEWDLEY Town took the derby honours at Ribbesford Meadows in a key West Midlands League Division One South match, beating Chaddesley Corbett 2-1.

Chris Bow's goal against his former club and a Grant Gibbs strike gave Bewdley victory in a tough encounter.

Goalmouth action was rare in the first half for the crowd of 60 and there were heated exchanges.

Chaddesley's Richard Burton was lucky to escape with a yellow card after a crude challenge on Paul Field.

Chaddesley forwards Craig Pratt and Craig Webb tried to dent Bewdley's back-line where Chris Hough had an outstanding game.

Meanwhile, home danger men Matthew Allsopp and Gibbs were shackled by Gavin Wright and Alex Kilgour.

For the first 30 minutes, the visitors controlled the midfield with Andy Birch and Andy Shuck getting the upper hand over Paul Hyde and tough-tackling Gavin Smith.

But, with half-time approaching, Bewdley enjoyed a good five-minute spell of pressure.

And they were rewarded when Gibbs pounced on a half-hit clearance and put his side ahead.

The second half saw Chaddesley searching hard for the equaliser but Bewdley waited patiently.

Another chance came their way through the combination of subs as Bow headed home a John Hardiman cross.

The visitors continued to push and went close through Pratt and Webb.

Chaddesley introduced subs Stuart and Lee Jordan with the latter giving his side hope after a superb finish from the impressive Birch's through-ball.

Good goalkeeping by Ian Harvey, excellent defending and a double woodwork strike from L Jordan and Shuck kept the visitors at bay.

Fixtures, Saturday: Mahal v Bewdley Town (League), Chaddesley Corbett v Malvern Town Reserves (Worcester Nursing Cup).

l Brintons Athletic went top with a 3-1 win at Bridgnorth Town Reserves.