Two Gates 1 Tenbury United 2-

PETER Stevens bagged a brace as Tenbury recorded a Kidder-minster Premier League double over Two Gates to retain their second spot in the league table.

With a strong wind at their backs Two Gates made the early running and Tenbury were forced to defend. Without experienced campaigners Colin Powell, Karl Pearson, Johnny Welsh and Graham Caldicott, the young visitors battled well and with the aid of a couple of fine saves from goalkeeper Byron Davies kept the eager Two Gates out.

Eventually the hosts broke the deadlock when their mid-fielder picked up a loose Tenbury pass in the centre circle to surge through and beat Davies with a 25 yard dipping drive.

Tenbury came back and both George Pearson and Ryan Morris went close to putting the visitors back on terms.

After the interval it was Tenbury who enjoyed the benefit of the elements and they quickly took advantage to equalise only six minutes into the second period.

Ryan Morris slipped a ball through the home defence and Pearson broke clear. When challenged by the Two Gates goalkeeper he squared the ball to the supporting Stevens who rifled home the equaliser.

With their tails up Tenbury continued to press and took the lead in the 56th minute through the same combination. Pearson released Stevens down the flank and he used his pace to race clear before cutting in and finding the target with a crisp, angled drive.

As Tenbury took their foot off the peddle Two Gates made a late surge to retrieve a point. It took a timely tackle by promising defender Michael Foster to thwart a swift breakaway.