PERSHORE Men's Firsts' Coaching Solutions West Midlands Two hockey promotion bid hit a stumbling block with a 2-1 home defeat to leaders Kynoch.

With only four points separating the teams before the game, Kynoch started better and scored early on from a short corner.

After about 20 minutes of the first-half, Pershore found their shape and created numerous chances through the pace of Anthony Hanley and guile of Richard Lisle.

But an inspired performance by the visitors' keeper kept Pershore at bay.

The second-half saw Pershore continue to attack through the midfield quartet of Whiting, Hughes, Crowley and Scudamore.

But with Kynoch's young quick forwards, the defence of Rushin, Curley and Wright had to be watchful.

With the game approaching the final whistle, Scudamore worked an opportunity and scuffed the ball into the far corner.

But a jubilant Pershore did not enjoy their success for long as Kynoch regained their lead straight from the restart.

n Pershore Seconds regained early-season form with a 2-1 victory at Berkswell and Balsall Common.

Pershore settled first and used intelligent wide play to bypass a congested midfield area.

The young and inexperienced Berkswell defence found the visitors difficult to contain and Ball fired home the opener from close range after a driving move involving Passmore and Taylor.

Berkswell hit back and goalkeeper Graham protected the lead on several occasions.

A home forward broke through several weak challenges to hit a second-half leveller but Boyce finished off Pershore's winner following a slick move between Ingram and Doughty.

n Pershore Thirds earned only their second win of the season with a 2-0 success at Bloxwich.

Pershore started slowly again but they soon dominated the midfield with Tommy and Rob Handley controlling the game throughout.

They were unable to convert opportunities, despite the efforts of returning centre-forward Mike Andrews.

Pershore showed more urgency in the second-half and took the lead through Gary Stevenson with his first goal for the club.

Graham Handley picked the ball up to drive in an excellent shot for the second goal.