Today Worcester made the short trip north for the first encounter of the season with our fierce rivals Stourbridge. The game was played on a grass pitch and it rained throughout the entire match.

Q1 – The game started with Stourbridge enjoying the better of the opening exchanges, although they didn’t really trouble the Worcester defence who stood firm. Slightly against the run of play Worcester took the lead. Josh Schuck intercepted a through ball and went on a strong run down the line. His half shot/cross sailed into the far corner of the net with the home keeper well beaten. The goal settled Worcester who then controlled the game for the rest of the quarter. 0-1

Q2 – Worcester started the second quarter strongly and soon found themselves two up after a direct ball out of defence from Zach Bowater found Curtis Turner on the edge of the box. Curtis cut inside onto his right foot and drilled a low shot past the keeper into the corner of the net. Worcester continued to press and Tristan Webby went close to extending the away sides lead when he went clean through although his effort was well saved by the Stourbridge keeper. 0-2

Q3 – Stourbridge were quickly out of the blocks in the third quarter and deservedly pulled a goal back. A free kick from just outside the box was initially well saved by Ben Clay who pushed the ball onto the bar, but it was a Stourbridge player who was quickest to follow up the rebound, bundling the ball home. 1-2

Q4 – The game was now set up for a grandstand finish although in truth Stourbridge ran out of steam and Worcester controlled the proceedings. Worcester went 3-1 ahead with probably the best goal of the game. The move started from the back with Ethan Sherwood calmly playing the ball out of defence, then after an exchange between Cam Montieth and Olly Berry, Olly put a great ball through to Tom Griffin. Tom burst into the area and finished low past the onrushing keeper. The victory was sealed shortly before full time when Tristan Webby’s pass found Tom Mills and he finished low into the corner of the net. 1-4

This was a strong team performance and Worcester deservedly ran out winners today and will enjoy the bragging rights.

As chosen by the Stourbridge coaches:
Gold - Josh Schuck
Silver - Zack Bowater
Bronze - Tom Mills

Match report by Marie Mills