Pershore Town 0, Romulus 1

THE top two in the Midland Combination Premier Division battled in atrocious weather conditions in Saturday's Endsleigh Challenge Cup second round clash.

And, it was the second-placed visitors who overcame their hosts with a late goal.

Pershore had the strong wind and rain behind their backs in the first half but good defensive work by Romulus and a few goal raids of their own made for an interesting contest.

Town were first to threaten in the second minute when Simon Brain set up Chris Jew, whose drive flashed narrowly wide.

In reply Jamie Shipway hit a terrific 30-yard drive just wide in the ninth minute, then Shipway's cross was volleyed over by Keiran Doyle.

After the break the wind and rain decreased slightly, but the main problem was surface water making ground passing almost impossible. However, both teams battled on gamely.

In the 53rd minute Matthew Robinson broke into the box, but his low drive was superbly saved by Town keeper Neil Turner.

Town had a good chance to go ahead six minutes later when Paul Jones played a perfect pass for Nathan Owen but he shot into the side-netting.

A 20-yard drive from Nick Hughes after 67 minutes cannoned off the woodwork, and then a 40-yarder by Robinson also hit the crossbar.

Owen, for the home side, had another chance to put his side ahead but his shot was easily collected by the Romulus goal keeper.

The goal that put the Town out of the competition came nine minutes from time. Shipway collected the ball in midfield and was allowed to run to the edge of the penalty area before firing past Turner.

Midland Combination Premier Division

P W D L F A Pts

Pershore Town 14 11 1 2 35 16 34

Romulus 13 10 2 1 31 13 32

Nuneaton Griff 13 9 2 2 28 14 29

Studley BKL 13 8 4 1 24 8 28

Alvechurch 13 8 1 4 23 17 25

Coventry Marconi 14 8 0 6 38 24 24

Meir KA 11 6 4 1 21 10 22

Kings Heath 13 5 3 5 16 15 18

Blackheath Invensys 14 5 3 6 22 27 18

Sutton Town 13 4 4 5 22 18 16

Coventry Sphinx 13 5 1 7 14 18 16

Northfield Town 13 3 6 4 19 28 15

Cheslyn Hay 12 4 2 6 16 16 14

Alveston 13 3 3 7 14 33 12

Continental Star 13 3 2 8 20 27 11

Handrahan Timbers 12 3 1 8 12 19 10

Feckenham 12 2 4 6 18 28 10

Southam Utd 13 3 1 9 18 30 10

Massey Ferguson 13 2 4 7 20 32 10

Bolehall Swifts 10 2 3 5 12 19 9

Highgate Utd 11 2 3 6 13 25 9