HOCKEY: The loss of top scorer Andy Pocknell added to Kidderminster's problems when they lost 4-1 at home to high-flying Stratford in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

Kidderminster began well on Saturday but lost Pocknell when an old injury flared up after the Stratford goalkeeper produced an inspired display in the early stages.

The home side's pressure led to nothing and Stratford took advantage of the forced positional changes to fire home the opener.

A good move ended with the otherwise excellent keeper Martin Roberts left stranded and then a harsh umpiring decision allowed the visitors to score again.

Kidderminster's players were remonstrating with the officials but picked themselves up to pull a goal back late in the first half through Gary Burkes who fired home from a short corner.

In the second half, Kidderminster continued to take the game to their opponents but Stratford made clever use of two roll-on-roll-off substitutes.

Kidderminster's 11 players began to tire against fresh legs and they conceded two further goals from a short corner, which beat the out-stretched Roberts and defender Paul Edwards on the line, and a penalty flick.

However, the town did not lack fight and good work from forwards Richard Wheeler, Will Good and Paul Grummitt was unlucky not to be rewarded with goals.