THE absence of Chaddesley Corbett's regular strike force cost them dear as they went down 3-0 at home to Berkswell and Balsall Common.

With Matt Boden and Jay Da Costa both missing, the scoring burden fell onto the young shoulders of Richard Swann and Neil Stiff.

Despite dominating for long periods, Chaddesley were unable to turn their possession into goals and ended up paying the price.

After Sam Boden and Stiff wasted good chances, Berkswell took a shock lead against the run of play from a scrappy goal.

As the game progressed, Berkswell grew in confidence and began to take control of proceedings, adding a controversial second with five minutes remaining.

Andy Green's clearance from defence appeared to strike an opponent's foot but the referee allowed the visitors to play on and score.

Chaddesley pushed everyone forward in a desperate attempt to get back in the game and were hit by a third goal on the break.

They travel to Atherstone on Saturday when they could once again be struggling for players.