Fourth defeat on the trot for poor Pershore (From Cotswold Journal)

Fourth defeat on the trot for poor Pershore

8:10am Friday 8th March 2013 in Sport

PERSHORE slumped to their fourth consecutive ENER-G Men’s League West Midlands Division Two defeat with a Jekyll and Hyde performance.

They lost 7-3 at West Bromwich after failing to make the most of their early chances and falling behind to a drag flick from a penalty corner.

Pershore hit back with two swift goals through Russell McGettigan and Anthony Handley only for West Brom to snatch an equaliser just before half-time.

But the Vale side folded at the beginning of the second period with defensive mistakes allowing the visitors three goals in five minutes.

Gareth Rushton found his scoring touch to pull one back but Pershore conceded two further goals before the end to round off a poor display.

They attempt to secure third place in the table at home to Yardley on Saturday.

Pershore seconds lost 5-3 to leaders Leamington Spa despite a battling display with Russell Scudamore, Andy Gardiner and Paul Grummitt impressing.

Forced to play with 10 men, the hosts fell two goals behind but Scudamore made it 2-1 at half-time.

Scudamore went on to complete his hat-trick but only after the visitors built up a 4- 1 advantage and they then added a late fifth.

The thirds lost 2-1 at Solihull Blossomfield but deserved more after opening the scoring through Jake Doney.

Poor finishing and good goalkeeping denied Pershore although Jonathan Bailey made a fine debut and Jason Brown hit the post.

Pershore women were left deflated with a 4-1 defeat at Kings Heath Pickwick but remain confident of promotion from Worcestershire League Division Two.

They slipped to second spot behind Droitwich Spa after not fielding a goalkeeper.

Pershore’s back four of Heidi Wilkie, Amanda Barnes, Bobbie Handley and sweeper Jo Clarke tried their best but Kings Heath led 2-0 at the break.

The visitors started the second period strongly as good attacking by Wilkie and Ceri Barber allowed Emma Gardner to cross for Emily Capaldi to slot home.

Pershore continued to battle and their passing improved but two scrappy goals sealed Kings Heath’s victory.

• Evesham recorded an impressive 3-0 victory at Barlaston to move up to thirdfrom- bottom in West Midlands Division Two. The seconds lost 1-0 at Kingswinford.