DEPLETED Tenbury United dug deep to maintain their five-point cushion at the head of the Hereford Times Herefordshire League Premier Division.

For the first time this season, United struggled for a full complement of 16 players due to injuries, holidays and work commitments - but they still managed a 2-1 win at Lads Club Reserves.

Tenbury trailed 1-0 at the break, but were totally off the pace and were lucky not to be three or four goals adrift. Co-boss Aaron Morris then made changes to both the personnel and formation at half-time and the difference was palpable.

Chris Patton was introduced on the right side of midfield and he gave them both balance and a new attacking threat.

They levelled on the hour when Aaron Morris converted from the penalty spot and Dale Withers then snapped up the winner.

Joint manager Nick Stocker said: “We’ve got home games now against Fownhope and Hinton, two teams we struggled against last season but who have also started well. If we can manage to come out of those two games without losing then I will be happy.

“We can’t grumble with our start but I still feel we can be better. Once we have the whole squad back, I think only then will we know if we can mount a serious challenge.”

Tenbury Town travelled to Hanley Swan in the Worcestershire Junior Cup and came from 2-0 down to win 4-3.

Siblings Declan and Al Bright, and Tom Pitt, cancelled out Hanley’s early 2-0 lead by half-time after Hanley had pulled back to 3-3, Mark Boucker pounced to drill in the 63rd minute winner.

Brother Aaron Boucker could have added a fifth but saw his late penalty kick saved.