Droitwich 1st XI 4 Bromsgrove 1st XI 3

A YOUTHFUL Bromsgrove side gave full strength Droitwich a run for their money in an action packed friendly clash on Saturday.

Bromsgrove, fielding four players in their teens, gave the West Midlands Division One leaders a thorough test a week before the season starts again.

It took three second half goals from Luke Hine to fend off a promising Bromsgrove side.

Boars captain Julian Court was forced to field untested youngsters Graham Johns, Nigel Johns and Ollie Adams and 18-year-old Nick Frizzell.

Despite the inexperience Bromsgrove took the game to their neighbours.

Sean Jackson handed Bromsgrove the lead early on, before Barry Williams pulled an equaliser back.

Pete Hull though restored the Boars' advantage just before half time.

Droitwich resumed normal service in the second half, with Hine's hat-trick handing them victory.

Bromsgrove continued to battle away and Hull's second goal ensured a tense end to the game.

Court said: "Considering the team we put out this was an excellent result.

"We were more than a match for Droitwich for long periods and if the younger players hadn't tired in the second half it could have been a different story."

Bromsgrove will be aiming to put behind them a poor first half of the season at home on Saturday, when they take on Whitchurch (2.30pm start).

The captain said: "We have a good core of younger players coming through and they might get their chance once we are safe."

Droitwich captain Paul Atkinson believes his side need to get the ball rolling all over again if they are to remain top of the table.

The Spa skipper warned his players they must quickly find their form - starting at Rugeley on Saturday.

He said: "We've had a three week break and that means we're probably a bit rusty.

"But that's no excuse - we have to start the momentum all over again."