CLEE Hill United continued their strong start to life in the Mercian League’s top flight by hitting Wrockwardine Wood for six on Saturday.

Despite being reduced to 10 men at the Knowle Sports Ground, United sailed away with the three points courtesy of doubles from Ollie Smith and Liam Whitbread and goals for Steve Preece and Sean Millward.

The 6-2 success handed Wayne Whitbread’s men a third win in four Premier Division outings, a start which puts them third in the early standings ahead of Saturday’s trip to Rock Rovers (3pm).

It was a case of two points dropped for Church Stretton who were held to a 2-2 draw at FC Hodnet.

Dean Richards’ fourth goal in as many outings gave Stretton the lead but Hodnet levelled before the interval. Substitute Kieran Adams was also on target after the break but it was not enough to seal victory at the Recreation Ground.

Stretton sit fifth in the table with seven points from their opening four fixtures.

In Division One, boss Chris Waldron lamented Brown Clee’s second-half capitulation in a 6-4 defeat to Stoke Heath.

James Byatt, Tom Mumford and a brace from Gareth Horler had put Brown Clee 4-3 up at the end of a topsy-turvy first half but Stoke Heath rallied with three unanswered strikes after the interval to leave Waldron fuming.

“It was a disappointing result but more importantly, a disappointing performance. The second-half display was shocking,” he said.

Brown Clee will look to bounce back from their first setback of the campaign against AFC Broseley, who have lost five out of five league matches to date, on Saturday (3pm).

Craven Arms Town are still searching for their first win of the season after a 3-1 setback at early pacesetters Newport Town reserves.

Matt Good got the only goal of the game for the visitors whose task gets no easier at the weekend with a home clash against a team who boast a 100 per cent record from four matches, Shrewsbury Juniors, on Saturday (3pm).

In the Herefordshire County League Premier Division, Orleton Colts let slip a first-half lead in a 2-1 defeat at home to Bartestree.

Shane Jennings’ strike divided the teams at half-time but the visitors hit back with a goal midway through the second half and snaffled the points with a late penalty.

Colts entertain early league leaders Westfields Reserves on Saturday (2.30pm).

Tenbury Town kicked off with a 3-1 defeat at Ewyas Harold Reserves in Division One.

Having conceded after 15 minutes, Alex Bright hit back for Town but the hosts soon regained their lead before sealing the points with a third. Tenbury Town host Fownhope Reserves on Saturday (2.30pm).

Dan Griffiths was at the double with Scot Guilbert also on the scoresheet as Ludlow Colts trumped Hinton Reserves 3-1 in their opener. Colts welcome Ewyas Harold’s second string on Saturday (2.30pm).