Market Drayton 2 Bromyard Town 1

BROMYARD were just edged out of the points in a competitive but entertaining West Midlands League Premier Division mid-table game.

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 Brom-yard 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.

l GRACE Rogers (3), Natasha Merris and Clare Almond hit the goals as Bromyard Under-12 girls beat Droitwich Spa 5-0 in the Mercian League.