Pershore Tn 0, Bridgnorth Tn 2

SATURDAY'S battle of two clubs bidding for a return to the Midland Alliance saw the Shropshire side book a place in the next stage of the FA Vase, writes Mervyn Collins.

The two combatants started the day in the top half of the Midland Combination Premier Division but it was the visitors who looked the far better outfit in the opening 45 minutes.

However, Adam Ward and Glen Brotherton worked their magic at half-time and a different home side came out for the second half despite a repeat show in terms of goals.

Pershore's attacking threat was virtually zero after Andy Hodgetts had seen a first minute header saved although it wouldn't have counted as the former Evesham United striker was offside from the free-kick.

The sight of three Bridgnorth players being treated simultaneously for injuries three minutes later didn't augur well but it was Pershore who were hit where it hurts most after 32 minutes when captain Steve Handley volleyed past Jamie Lambert after a bout of pinball in the penalty box.

Seven minutes later, it looked all over for Town when Luke Brown raced clear but he saw his shot hit the crossbar leaving plenty for the home side's management duo to ponder.

They kept faith with the starting 11 and, within seconds of the restart, Hodgetts had seen a speculative drive saved by Phil Luke.

Kays Sibanda and Andy Hodgetts both went close to levelling before a lack of composure proved costly when Mark Bellamy had a clear sight of goal after 68 minutes.

Danny Harris was moved up front as player/boss Ward went 4/3/3 and the change almost worked as skipper Andrew Biddle fired over.

Lambert clawed out a couple of inswinging corners at the other end before Hodgetts and Harris were both thwarted by some desperate defending.

Those efforts at the back were rewarded when Steve Broome curled in an 85th minute free-kick that ended Pershore's hopes of a place in the next round.