WITH key players missing from the squad due to injury and suspensions, Bewdley Town are putting on a brave fight to avoid dropping in the West Midlands League Premier Division table.

This week saw them lose 2-0 to a tough Great Wyrley side followed by a 1-1 draw against lower table Smethwick Rangers.

Wednesday's defeat to Great Wyrley was always going to be tough due to Jamie Hart's suspension and Neil Turford's injury.

Bewdley nearly scored on five minutes when Gavin Smith hit the upright, but the visitors took the lead on 10 minutes when unmarked Darryl Williams fired a super shot past Steve Thomas.

The second half started off better for Bewdley with Lewis Pountney, Chris Hough and Jan Mulders all going close.

But they were punished again when referee blew for a penalty on 70 minutes when an Andy Terran cross struck Matt Payne's hand and Terran converted from the spot.

Saturday's visitors, Smethwick, came determined to get a result.

Early on a clear foul by their keeper on Tommy Stewart in the box was waved away by the referee.

Town's next chance came on 18 minutes when Lewis Pountney had a header cleared off the line after beating the keeper to a long ball.

Smethwick took the lead on 59 minutes when Bewdley failed to clear a free-kick and Adrian Baddhams scrambled it in.

In a game of few chances, Craig Payton's men grabbed an equaliser through Chris Hough on 80 minutes after a superb pass from Steve Holt, who wasted a chance to score a winner soon after.

The teams meet again on Saturday when Bewdley travel to Smethwick for the return fixture.