AFC Smithwick 2 Tenbury United 1 (played at Tividale FC)

TENBURY suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Smethwick, first in midweek at Tividale in the West Midlands League Division 2 Cup final, and then on Saturday at Palmer’s Meadow in a league encounter.

Tenbury failed to rise to the occasion in the Cup final and deservedly, on the balance of play, trailed 1-0 at the break.

They changed their formation in the second half, but after a promising spell, especially from set-pieces, conceded a second goal and spent the rest of the game playing catch-up.

United made a slow start and conceded a sloppy goal. The United defence was being sliced open at this point.

Tenbury had a shot cleared off the line and a couple of other balls intercepted, but there were chances at the other end as well. The re-jigged side started well in the second half, but then they conceded a soft goal and there was a mountain to climb.

Chris Breakwell pulled a goal back following a corner, but Smethwick ran the clock down and still managed to test Alex Bright on a number of occasions.

A changed Tenbury side went down 3-0 at Palmer’s Meadow in the Division 2 clash.

Smethwick took the lead against the run of play, but once again it was down to a soft goal.

Another mistake in defence gifted Smethwick a second goal.

Tenbury looked dangerous after the break, but the Smethwick defence looked organised and dealt with the threat, and then caught the home side with the sucker punch to go 3-0 ahead.

United manager Colin Powell was pleased with the performances this season, especially after they lost five of their first seven games.

"Provided that I can keep the squad together and they improve their fitness levels, then we should make further progress next term," he said.