Ewyas Harold 4 Tenbury United 1

JOINT-manager Nick Stocker says Tenbury have noticed the step up in class in Herefordshire League Division One.

Tenbury have been unable to field their best team so far this campaign and came unstuck against a strong Ewyas Harold outfit last Saturday.

But Stocker believes the team are capable of holding their own once they are able to field their strongest side.

"The aim this season is to try and get into the top five or six," said Stocker.

"We've noticed a big step up in standard so far from Division One, so we'll probably need a season to get used to it.

"But the team looks good.

"We have not been able to field our best 11 as of yet due to suspensions, holidays and work commitments, but when everyone is available, we're a very good side.

"We have added John Bradley and Cameron Edwards.

"Cameron is only 16 and has a bright future.

"But we are struggling to have a goalkeeper to play every week, which is a concern."

Tenbury were without Lee Millichip and Aaron Morris against Ewyas Harold, which proved costly.

Harold stormed into a 2-0 half-time lead, with the latter coming from the penalty spot.

"For the first 20 minutes, we matched them and their first goal was against the run of play," said Stocker.

"Then we gave a penalty away and to be honest from then on we were struggling at 2-0.

"Gavin Podmore brought down the centre forward and was lucky to get away with just a booking."

Tenbury pulled a goal back after the break when Ryan Morris headed home a Cameron Edwards cross with 20 minutes left.

But Tenbury ran out of steam and Harold bagged another two goals to complete a resounding win.

"It it hadn’t been for Callum Spires in goal who made some outstanding saves it would have been more," said Stocker.

"Ewyas Harold were a very good side and thoroughly deserved the 4-1 win.

"They were a good strong side all over the pitch with some very talented youngsters."

Meanwhile, Sky will be sponsoring Tenbury United's under-17 team this season.

Alex Bright's father Andrew works for G.E. Brights in Tenbury and managed to secure the sponsorship.

"It's a big deal for us and all the players and the coaches are thrilled with the sponsor," said joint manager Chris Patton.