Bromyard Town were just edged out of the points in a competitive but entertaining West Midlands League Premier Division mid-table clash on Saturday.

MARKET DRAYTON 2, BROMYARD TOWN 1

Chris Allen almost gave Bromyard a dream start when he collected a loose ball on the edge of the box to turn his marker and fire in a fierce drive which the home goalkeeper acrobatically turned over the bar.

Both teams adapted well to the blustery conditions by keeping the ball on the ground, but although developing several half chances the defences were generally on top.

Bromyard lifted their game after the restart but were hit on the break as Stuart Timmis took advantage of slight hesitation by the Bromyard back four to swoop in and open the scoring.

Within minutes Bromyard were two down thanks to a bizarre goal. Bromyard lost the ball in attack and the home defender, although grounded, hooked the ball clear. It rebounded off the referee and looped over the midfield, Luke Reynolds reacting quickly to race clear and score.

Visiting skipper Danny Hilditch pulled a goal back but in spite of sustained late pressure, Drayton held out.

Bromyard Town's West Midlands Premier Division League Cup challenge was ended on Tuesday night when visiting Newport ran out 3-0 winners.

Bromyard missed two early chances before Newport struck and although they played well in patches they could not get back into the game.

Tomorrow (Saturday) they visit Ledbury Town (2.45).