BROMYARD Town Girls U13s lost out in a close encounter at home to Evesham United in their Mercian League fixture.

BROMYARD TOWN GIRLS U13S 3, EVESHAM UNITED GIRLS U13S 4

Bromyard, without a win in their last two games, were keen to get back to winning ways against a team they had previously beaten earlier in the season. However, without captain Clare Almond for the first period and kicking up the slope, Bromyard had a disastrous first half. By the time the half-time interval had arrived, Evesham had netted three goals.

The second half was a somewhat different story. From the kick-off, with the advantage of a significant slope in the pitch in their favour, Bromyard went on the attack. Within five minutes striker Grace Rogers pulled one back with a goal from close range. However, Bromyard's hope was short-lived when following poor defending and a disputed off-side decision, Evesham scored to reinstate their three goal cushion.

Bromyard, sensing that a way back could still be found, went back onto the attack and forced numerous corners. When Bromyard won a free-kick on the edge of the box there seemed little danger to the away side. However, coming on as a second half substitute following illness, captain Clare Almond floated a superb free-kick into the top corner of the goal, with the Evesham keeper helpless.

Bromyard continued to press and it was no surprise when Almond, from the edge of the penalty area, reduced the deficit to just one goal with 10 minutes left. Evesham still looked dangerous on the counter attack and before the final whistle both sides could have scored. As it was, no further goals ensued and Evesham ran out winners.

Whilst a number of players played well, Bromyard's manager will be concerned that too many players underperformed and will look for greater effort in their next game against FC Phoenix.

GOODREST JUNIORS U10S 2, MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS COLTS 0

MALVERN continue to show steadily improving form and were unlucky not to score.

There was a goalless first half, with Brent Gibbs and Harry Tawse working tirelessly together and putting plenty of pressure on the home side, with shots from Gibbs only just missing the mark. Max Howie and Josh Seabourne made a strong pair at the back and Pete Shepherd in goal completed the firm defence.

In the second half, Brandon Hudson and Myles Cunningham were both effective, but Goodrest managed to score twice. Stan Mason tried hard but was still showing some signs of injury and just could not find the back of the net this time.

It was a well-matched game though, from an improving Malvern side.