PERSHORE approached the final month of the DTZ season requiring a minimum of five points to guarantee safety and with fixtures against three of the sides pushing for promotion a real turn-a-round in performances week in week out was required if Pershore were to avoid the drop.

A battling goalless draw against local rivals Droitwich was a satisfactory start. However, this was followed by a disappointing home defeat at the hands of Old Wulfrunians.

The third leg of the final fixture quartet was a difficult away trip to Stafford and it was here that Pershore finally produced a performance to be proud of.

They began brightly but the familiar problem of poor finishing again let them down and Stafford opened the scoring somewhat against the run of play.

Pershore regained the upper hand and equalised when Rushton forced home from close-range.

Pershore started the second half slowly and quickly conceded two goals. Staring relegation in the face, the visitors stripped themselves, played with real pride and produced their best spell of the season to secure a memorable 4-3 victory.

The final game of the season was at home to champions Stone when, in a high quality game, Pershore matched the champions and earned a creditable 1-1 draw.

These final games demonstrated the benefits of fielding a settled side, the side was further strengthened by the recall of veteran Handley and goalkeeper Bozward after a long absence through injury.

The improved form of regulars Lisle, Rushton, Hughes and Rushin was also an important feature in Pershore's resurgence.

The club celebrated the first team's survival and the second string's solid campaign at the annual dinner when Richard Lisle proposed a toast to the club before giving an amusing overview of the season's highlights.