Market Drayton III 3, Pershore III 2

PERSHORE handed their opponents an early advantage in this Coaching Solutions League game.

The travelling team had clearly failed to shake off the effects of the long journey and against a quick home attack, soon found themselves two goals down, both cheaply conceded.

This finally kick-started the Pershore team into action and the excellent Simon Ball orchestrated several promising attacks. Pershore got the goal they deserved from a short corner. Tommy Handley's shot rifled towards the bottom corner but before the keeper could save it, Martin Thomas sneaked in front to deflect the ball home.

The physical nature of the game escalated and several tackles left Pershore forwards sprawled on the Astroturf. Critically two of Pershore's midfield also picked up injuries and left gaps that the home team were able to exploit. A third breakaway goal followed much to Pershore's annoyance.

For the second week running a training ground move resulted in a good goal for Simon Ball, but it proved only a consolation. The final score didn't reflect the true balance of the game but underlines the necessity of a good start and Pershore will no doubt learn from this disappointment.