PERSHORE moved up to fourth in Worcestershire Women's Hockey League Division One with a 4-1 triumph at Harborne thirds.

Although the hosts took an early lead, the wake-up call forced Pershore to act fast with Kelly Jones and Sam Witherford defending strongly.

Quick thinking by Ceri Barber and Heidi Deacon gave Kate Adams and Emma Gardner space to move forward.

Adams' cross found Zoe Nicholson to equalise and then the supplier turned scorer, slotting into the bottom corner after a superb Deacon centre.

Harbourne switched play frequently but solid team-work between Nicki Sheppard, Nicholson and Emily Capaldi kept them out.

Good movement from Pershore's Gardner and Mary Small caused havoc and although Harborne stepped up in the second period, they were denied more goals.

A quick break resulted in a short corner, allowing Sheppard to increase the lead, and another well-worked set-piece routine saw Gardner drop the ball for Barber to slam it home.

Pershore host second-placed Bromsgrove on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Pershore men beat basement boys Yardley 2-1 in a scrappy West Midlands Division Two clash.

The visitors defended in numbers as Anthony Handley and Tom Quantrell, with his first goal at the level, scored for fifth-placed Pershore.

The seconds lost 4-0 at a youthful West Bromwich side after missing first-half chances and going in one behind at the break.

Despite a fine debut in midfield from Dan Adams, the hosts bossed the second period.

Pershore thirds crashed 6-0 at home to an experienced Stafford side.

Fourth-placed Evesham were held 2-2 by Droitwich in West Midlands Division Two with Liam Blondon and Simon Chatterley scoring.