HOSTS Pershore Town beat high-flying Atherstone Town 2-0 in Midland Football League Division One.

While the result may have shocked some the surprise on the day was the margin of victory was not higher from an excellent performance by the home side.

Second-from-bottom Pershore dominated the first half and took the lead when Jamie Clarke, who had been fouled in the box, scored the resultant penalty.

Pershore had further good efforts through Dane Aldington, Steve Roach and Richard Thomas-Robinson before Clarke grabbed his brace.

Linking well with fellow lively striker Reece Jacobs, Clarke received the ball just inside the box and coolly placed his right-footed shot into the corner of the goal.

Atherstone improved in the second half but when called upon keeper Shaun Edwards made a couple of decent saves.

Clarke had an opportunity to finish the game when put through but his dinked effort over the advancing keeper was just saved.

Despite late pressure from Atherstone, Steve Webb, captain Shaun Griffiths, James Walker and Thomas-Robinson defended superbly to keep a second consecutive clean sheet.

Two points separate five teams trying to avoid the one remaining relegation spot with Southam United already doomed.

Pershore face a six-pointer tomorrow when Chelmsley Town visit the King George V Stadium (7.45pm).