Pershore Town 2, Romulus 1

ANOTHER three points in the bag for Pershore after Saturday's defeat of high-riding Romulus, currently second in the Midland Combination Premier Division.

Town manager Dave Con-nell had to reshuffle his line- up with Chris Jew and recent signing Steven Spencer unavailable and, only five minutes into the match, full back Jamie Pennington was stretchered off with a leg injury.

Pershore had the best of the early scoring chances. Prolific striker Richard Congrave was set-up by fellow attacker Lee Tustin in the third minute but Congrave's shot was weak and easily gathered by keeper Lee Keyte.

There then followed a promising attack with Tustin and Richard Pincher giving Congrave another chance but he was off target.

Congrave made amends for his earlier misses in the 15th minute. A good build-up by several of his teammates allowed him to cleverly side- step keeper Keyte and strike home the opener.

Richard Woodley equalised in the 35th minute when he turned in the box to fire in a low drive.

In the second half Pershore's defence and midfield held together well to contain the Romulus attacks and their battling performance eventually paid off.

Paul Court, Simon Brain and Jonathan Gregory tried to feed Congrave and Tustin but the Romulus defence was hard to penetrate. However, they resorted to foul means to halt Jon Gregory 11 minutes from time inside the penalty area.

Congrave coolly stepped up, delayed the kick until Keyte had committed himself and placed the ball in for the winner.

As the remaining minutes ticked by Romulus pressed forward in search of an equaliser. Frantic defensive work by the Pershore back four of Maidment, Tim Con-cannon, Fulloway and Court just kept them safe for a well deserved victory.

Town visit West Midlands Police on Saturday ahead of an away game "at home" on Boxing Day when they face King George's tenants, County Sports (11.30am).

They will be back at their home base on December 29 against Handrahan Timbers before starting the new year at home to struggling Alveston on New Year's Day (2.45).