PERSHORE Town extended their lead at the top of the Hellenic League Division One table after a comfortable 2-0 win over strugglers Kidlington Reserves.

With second-placed Hartpury University dropping points at Shortwood United on Friday evening, Pershore went into the clash knowing they could capitalise and stretch the gap at the summit from four points to seven with a win.

And despite being slightly wasteful in front of goal, strikes from Aidan Clark and Danny Murphy handed Danny Janes' side all three points in a 2-0 win. 

Their two goals on Saturday saw them go beyond the 140-goal mark in all competitions in the 2022/23 campaign and the clean sheet that came with it was Pershore's 21st of 39 this season. 

"It is another game ticked off, three points and a clean sheet so we are delighted," said Janes.

"We completely controlled the game, our possession dictated how the game developed. Numerous chances were created, we should have scored more on the day and made it even more comfortable, the players know that.

"I can't remember Kidlington having an opportunity, they delivered a couple of good set pieces but our shape and defensive quality nullified any potential threat. That said, full credit to Kidlington as they battled right until the last minute.

"The players showed a good mind-set as they needed to remain positive and enthusiastic, they could have shown frustration but they were resilient and kept knocking at the door."

The Plums are back in action on Tuesday night when they begin their defence of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup with a second-round tie against Midlands Football League outfit Hampton (7:45pm kick-off at the Community Stadium).