THIS Mercian Elgar Under 13 League local derby was watched by the biggest crowd of the season and they were treated to an excellent game of football.

WELLAND 1, MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS 4

Welland started brightly but Wanderers scored with their first attack and then scored again after 10 minutes.

They dominated play with many good passing movements and Welland were unable to create many chances. As the half drew to a close Welland started to play their normal game and raised the hopes of their supporters but Wanderers scored a crucial third goal just before the break.

Five minutes into the second half Welland made two substitutions and changed their formation and this seemed to spark some life into their play. The second period was far more even with chances at both ends.

Wanderers were awarded a penalty but Chris Wheeler made a fine save. Inspired by Liam Harford and Gareth Atkinson both playing against their former club, Welland finally received some reward for their hard work when Russell Alderson scored five minutes from time. Wanderers completed the scoring with their fourth goal just before the final whistle and confirmed that they are well worth their position at the top of the league table.

Goalscorers for Wanderers were Michael Pearson, Zach Blood and two for Matt Hopwood.

Man of the match for Welland, this week sponsored by David and Debbie Harford, was Liam Harford.

An outstanding team effort from Wanderers meant their man of the match was equally shared but Michael Parsons' first half display could have shaded it.

MCL CLAINES JUNIORS 4, NEWTOWN SPORTS BOYS 4

GOALS, goals, goals in the first game of 2002 in the Mercian Elgar Under 11's League.

Claines started brightest, dominating the game from midfield, moving the ball and making space, which resulted in the first goal. Stand in keeper James Scullion was caught off his line by Claines when the players showed great vision to chip the ball over his head. Newtown hit straight back when Lee Mason on the left surged forward, crossing to Marc Twinberrow who rifled the ball home.

Claines continued the pressure looking to add to the tally with Newtown struggling to get to grips with the game; the pressure paid off with two more goals before half time.

Newtown upped their game in the second half and Lee Mason was fouled in the area. Marc Twinberrow struck a good penalty, with the Claines keeper just getting a finger to the ball but couldn't stop it crossing the line. Claines hit Newtown on the break soon after to restore their two goal lead.

Ollie Lean found space on the right and played onto advancing Mason, who cut inside to bring Newtown back into the game with a well taken strike. The last ten minutes saw Newtown really take hold of the game with passing football that had been lacking most of the game.

Mason hit the equaliser with minutes left, after Claines failed to clear the corner he managed to slide the ball through the crowded box and over the line for his second.

Newtown are sponsored by Premiere Letting.

MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS 7, EVESHAM 2

ALTHOUGH this Mercian Elgar Under 12's Junior League match was played in difficult, muddy conditions it produced an exciting, entertaining game.

Evesham swept all before them in the first quarter and only agile saves from Wanderers' goalie Lewis Hooper prevented them from scoring more than one goal. Towards the end of the first half Wanderers started to fight back with excellent defensive work by Chris Styles and Oliver Mason. Hard running by James Lush and Calum Campbell found Daniel Stimson in the right place to put away two goals in quick succession. Just before the whistle Jack Higgs fired in a fine shot. In a few minutes Wanderers had transformed the match.

They carried on in the same way in the second half. Jack Higgs scored another spectacular goal and Wanderers took a total grip on the game. Luke Butler was outstanding in midfield, Ted Grizzell cool and collected and Max White ran hard at the opposition. Chris Bowen was very persistent on the wing and together they proved the means for Ryan Mansbridge to collect a very well taken hat-trick.