Leamington 1,

Pershore Town 0

TOWN'S troubles continued with defeat in the Endsleigh Challenge Cup on a day when newly appointed manager, Dave Connell, was admitted to hospital for emergency surgery.

Happily, he was back at the helm in midweek, and he was lucky to miss Saturday's show as his side were lucky to esc-ape with such a narrow defeat.

A crowd of 454 saw the visitors start well with Simon Brain going close before Glen Webb had the home fans cheering with fired a low drive that glanced off a defender for keeper Niel Turner to collect.

Turner then pulled off a superb save but he had no chance in the 18th minute when Agar gained possession from Paul Concannon to hit a drive into the net.

Joe Maidment's volley was blocked on the line, while Concannon made up for his earlier mistake with a goalline clearance.

Five minutes into the second half Pershore's Gary Crewe saw his goalbound header brilliantly saved before blasting a drive from distance over the top.

The remainder of the match belonged to the first division hosts who spurned several chances to seal their progress.

Billingham hit a post, Timms fired inches over the bar, while Blake missed a sitter in the final minute, moments after Turner had made an important interception to thwart the home striker.

Pershore are back at King George's on Saturday for the visit of Feckenham (2.45).