POWICK again made several changes for this Worcester League division one fixture as manager Andy Brown tries to find his best side for the forthcoming Martley Cup final in May.

POWICK 5, KEMPSEY 1

The home side were 1-0 up after no time at all when Mike Cole broke down the left and unselfishly found Matt Cole, who had sprinted 40 yards to give himself an easy tap-in from close range.

The second goal was a cracking strike from Kev Downes, who drove the ball into the bottom left hand corner from 20 yards.

The back four of Hodges, Howes, Skilton and Humphries were very strong and composed throughout the game. Abba and Downes really did dominate the centre of midfield and this meant Matt Cole and Sam Dakin could cause some real problems against their opposing full-backs.

A terrific game was marred in the 35th minute by a serious injury to youngster Matt Cole, who was involved in a three man clash in which he sustained a broken leg. The injury meant the game was delayed considerably for Matt to receive treatment from an excellent paramedic team.

Special mention must be given to Phil Skilton for his diligent approach and the unquestionable reassurance he gave to Matt throughout the incident. All players and the committee wish him a speedy recovery.

After the delay, the referee called half-time and reduced the game to 35 minutes for the second-half. All Powick players were shaken by the injury but performed remarkably throughout the second-half.

Substitute Lee Henderson played an excellent ball to Mike Cole, who proceeded to top an excellent game with a goal for his efforts. His initial effort came off the post but he continued to pursue the ball and had a tap-in, after he got ahead of two defenders.

Again Mike Cole scored the goal of the game to make it 4-0, when he fired home from an acute angle with such force that the Kempsey keeper had no chance at his near post.

The game won, Pete Brannelly and Stu Harvey were introduced.

Steve Newman had a very quiet game in the Powick goal and was unfortunate not to save an attempt from distance by the Kempsey right-winger, which just crept in off his fingertips.

Powick continued to pressure the Kempsey defence in revenge for conceding double figures for the season, a defensive record they are very proud of. It was no surprise that it was Stu Harvey who got a goal in unfamiliar ground off the right wing.

Howes played the ball to Harvey who used his strength to hold off the centre back and turn and blast past both defender and goalkeeper for a superb 40th goal.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Powick are home for the final time this season against Hanley Swan, who are currently second in the division.

Players meet at 2pm, any problems ring Andrew or Lee.

Special thanks to sponsors QED Enterprises and the Cross-Keys.