Bishampton Utd 2, Hallow WMC 0

AFTER two weeks of inactivity Bishampton finally got their Worcester and District League programme back on track.

On a pitch still showing signs of the heavy rainfall it was a credit to the people involved that the game was played.

The home team started slowly but Hallow failed to take any advantage, having plenty of possession but failing to trouble Rob Bille in the Bishampton goal.

As the first half wore on the home team began putting the visitors' defence under pressure and Paul Hayden was always a thorn in the side of the Hallow defence.

It was no surprise then when Bishampton took the lead, although it came about in unusual circumstances.

The ball had been played into the Hallow penalty area, but was well wide of the goal. Unfortunately for Hallow as they allowed the ball to run out of play it stopped in a puddle. Greg Mason was the first to react and he sent over a pinpoint cross for Andrew Murphy to powerfully head into the goal.

This took the sting out of the visitors and Bishampton were in control.

Just before half time Hallow had their only good chance of the game when ball was played into the Bishampton area from the right and it looked a certain goal when Anthony Bishop connected with the ball eight yards out, but he saw his shot hit the base of the post and finally cleared by a grateful defender.

The second half became a hard slog for both teams as the pitch got heavier.

Again Hallow had plenty of possession but only forced Bille into action once, and it was the home side who looked the most likely to score.

Both Murphy and Mark Onens had good opportunities, but there were just five minutes left when the home side made it safe.

Carlo Longhi ran down the right before playing the ball to defender Mark Brimmell who, finding himself in unusual territory and clear of the Hallow defence, ran on to steer the ball calmly past Steve Bourne for his first goal for Bishampton to wrap up the points.

The match was sponsored by Dudley's Coaches.