ALTHOUGH Bromyard were on top of their form, they had to give best to their title-chasing West Midlands League hosts in the only Premier Division game to beat the weather.

TIPTON TOWN 2, BROMYARD TOWN 0

Despite heavy overnight rain the pitch was in excellent condition and both teams responded with end-to-end attacking football.

The opening goal came in the 31st minute when Tipton forced a corner and the ball was headed out of the box where Craig Mansell met it with a thundering volley which Bromyard goalkeeper Dean Smith could only palm on to the underside of the bar and into the net.

Just before the break Tony McLean was only just off target for Bromyard after beating his marker.

Both sides maintained the tempo after the break with defences managing to keep the eager forwards at bay with veteran Bromyard centre-half Carl Nesbit outstanding.

Chris Allen went close to equalising twice in as many minutes. His diving header just failed to connect with a dangerous right wing cross from Andy Crowther and minutes later his superbly struck free-kick rebounded to safety off the angle with the goal keeper well beaten.

With time running out, Bromyard pushed up to try to salvage a point but were caught on the break and punished by the prolific Ravi Shanghi, who raced clear to slip the ball past Smith.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Bromyard are away at Market Drayton (2.45) and on Tuesday host Newport Town in the League Cup (7.45).