Redditch 2, Pershore 1

AFTER a disappointing start to the DTZ League season, Pershore were hoping to pick up some much needed points against a strong Redditch side.

Pershore started this fixture slowly, but managed to keep Redditch at bay for the first 20 minutes of the first half due to some good goalkeeping by Ben Wright and solid defending by Tucker and Andy Wright.

Redditch had several chances to score and finally converted a short corner that was forced in from close-range following a good initial save by Wright.

The visitors rallied and played with impressive spirit in a keenly contested first half but went into the interval trailing by a single goal.

The level of commitment of both sides after the restart was evident with the umpires doing well to keep control.

As the half progressed Pershore grew in strength and dominated possession having a number of chances denied by some good goalkeeping and last ditch defending.

The equaliser arrived with 20 minutes remaining when Steve Ridsdale netted into an open goal following good work from Hughes.

Pershore continued to press but failed to convert their chances. With minutes remaining Redditch broke from a Pershore short corner and an unchallenged attacker simply passed the ball into the net as he was surely looking for teammates.

Pershore continued to press and Redditch had three players sent of in the closing stages as they desperately held on to their lead. Pershore, though, failed to convert their chances but a much-improved performance will bring comfort to all their supporters.

They entertain Kynoch at Nunn-ery Wood on Saturday, hoping they can build on an improved showing.

Kynoch II 2,Pershore II 0

THE visitors started their latest league fixture with seven men, following transport problems.

After some valiant defending and some great saves by debutant keeper Longhi, Pershore only conceded one goal in the 25 minutes they played short-handed.

Following the arrival of the remaining players and a reshuffle in formation, Pershore managed to turn dogged defence into more of an attacking force.

However, just before half time, they conceded a soft goal resulting from a swift counter-attack.

An energetic team talk brought renewed enthusiasm and determination into the visiting team and, following some great attacking play from Crowley, Hughes and Jones, Pershore were unlucky not to get an instant reply.

Indeed, Pershore's bad luck continued when Attwood had a goal disallowed, following some creative play by the midfield quartet.

Although beginning to tire from their hard running and tigerish defending in the first half, Pershore continued to dominate the second half, but just couldn't find the net.