A SUPERB strike from Steve Mares gave Bewdley Town three West Midlands League Division One South points in a 1-0 win at Bustleholme.

Both sides struggled to play controlled football in a scrappy first half on a heavy Ray Hall Lane pitch.

Bewdley's best chance was a glanced header by Neil Turford from Paul Field's free-kick, while their keeper Jim Pickett smothered a Derek Craddock header.

Gary Middleton and John Lawley were impressive in the visitors' defence replacing the injured Adam Bayliss and Andrew Ford.

John Hardiman had his first start since injury, working hard in midfield with captain Turford.

Chris Hough had a one-on-one with home keeper John James but put the ball wide.

But Bewdley won the match in the 82nd minute when wing-back Darren Potter chased a lost cause into the corner.

Potter crossed for Mares to turn and fire a superb drive into the bottom corner of the net.

Mares had the chance to wrap the game up for Bewdley but his header from two yards went over the bar.

Bewdley's players are asked to meet at the Brintons ground at 1.45pm for Saturday's big game with rivals Chaddesley Corbett.