VILLAGERS travelled to Ronkswood on Sunday in what was a Worcester League division three six-pointer.

PUNCHBOWL 1, VILLAGERS 2

The Villagers started brightly with both Phil Wild and Carl Regan running at the defenders at every opportunity.

After several attacks it was Neil Morgan who came closest with a drive from 12 yards, which unfortunately went straight at the keeper.

Jamie Plant worked tirelessly in midfield and Nathan Wanklin created a couple of good chances for Roly Green and Carl Regan.

The Punchbowl were under constant pressure but, as in previous weeks, from a goal-kick at their own end, they found themselves in the Villagers' box with numbers and scored against the run of play with a good finish.

Manager Nathan Wanklin and captain John Tilley tried to rally the players and within minutes of the second-half, it was apparent the Villagers had found another gear.

Jamie Plant popped up on 55 minutes with the equaliser from 20 yards. The ball swerved both ways before bouncing past a desperate keeper.

Villagers looked to go for the winner and with 30 minutes left, Mark Tilley and Adam Dover came on to freshen the attacking impetus.

It worked, and it was Mark Tilley's corner that found John Tilley at the near post, his out- stretched boot in turn gave Roly Green the opportunity to score his first goal of the season. He made no mistake and celebrated in style.

Mark Wild continued to thwart most of the Punchbowl's attacks single-handedly and the Villagers rode out the remaining 10 minutes with ease to claim a splendid 2-1 victory and much-needed points.

Man-of-the-match for sheer work rate was again Jamie Plant.

Many thanks to sponsors E&E Engineering for their continuing support.