THE first 30 minutes of this Worcester Sunday Division Two game was a midfield battle and Langlands seemed lacking, having to rely on some good defending and dominance in the air by White and Howes.

BIRDPORT 1, LANGLAND SPORTS 2

The breakthrough came eventually from an unexpected source, right back Steve Hodges scoring his first goal for the club. Rob Perrins found space on the left, raced to the by line and squared the ball across the face of the goal for Hodges to shoot home powerfully from close range.

Birdport's only real attacking threat came from the left hand side, mainly through winger Leroy Williamson who was a handful all game but fortunately Steve Hodges used his experience to limit his damage with some excellent tackling and great awareness.

Birdport equalised after 20 minutes when sloppy defending left two players unmarked in the penalty area, Robbie Powell at the back post headed the ball back to the front post leaving keeper Mark Newman stranded and Roger Bent only had to beat one defender on the line with a well guided header.

Langlands hit back with a series of corners putting the home side under pressure before leading scorer Stuart Harvey scored with a powerful header.

Birdport had a late chance to equalise but a goal bound free kick by Derek Austin from 24 yards allowed Mark Newman to show his great ability at shot-stopping to tip it over. The corner was unrewarding and the game finished 2-1.

Man of the match was Steve Hodges.

On Sunday, home to last season's old rivals Colwall St James, meet 9.50am at Dukes Meadow.