HIGH-flying Pershore held on for a 4-3 victory over spirited 10-man Newtown in ENER-G Men’s League West Midlands Division Two.

With four changes from the previous week’s 2-2 draw at Yardley, the hosts’ history of struggling with under-strength opponents seemed set to continue.

Determined Newtown struck the opener on the break but Ed Deacon soon levelled following a short corner.

Pershore conceded again on the breakaway but an equaliser arrived before the break courtesy of Deacon.

A more organised Pershore started the second period and Paul Grummit’s pass was clinically rifled past the keeper by Jamie Hughes in the ‘D’.

They built on gaining the lead for the first time as Paul Murphy expertly deflected a strike for Hughes to calmly finish the fourth goal.

But Pershore reverted back to their first-half form and conceded a penalty flick after Mark Passmore’s foot stopped a shot.

However, they grimly held on to their lead and remain in fourth place ahead of Saturday’s home game with Oswestry.

􀁧 Pershore seconds won 3-0 at Kidderminster after losing 6-1 at Market Drayton the previous day.

Ali Sanderson opened the scoring following good work by Steve Quantrell.

Julian Heath caused the Kidderminster defence problems and a second Sanderson goal arrived before half-time.

Sanderson rounded off his hattrick with another fierce shot for Pershore, who head to Barlaston on Saturday.

He also scored from a well-taken short corner against Market Drayton but impressive keeper John Sharratt was unable to prevent them going 4-1 behind by the break.

Two more Drayton goals followed in the second period.

􀁧 The thirds deserved better than a 5-2 defeat at Old Silhillians in West Midlands Division Two.

Dave Ingram tapped in Toby Whiting’s cross to make it 2-1 to the hosts at half-time but they could not force an equaliser.

Pershore were hit by two soft goals and, despite Vince Crowley’s strike, conceded another on the break.

􀁧 The women crashed 8-0 at home to rivals Badsey in Worcestershire League Division One.