CHURCH Stretton boss Paul Smith was once again left frustrated as his team failed to find the target for the seventh time this season.

Stretton suffered a 3-0 home defeat against Ketley Bank United to leave themselves second from bottom in Mercian Football League Premier Division.

"We had about 75 per cent of the play last Saturday, but it just seems that when we go 1-0 down their heads drop – you can see it on their faces," said Smith.

"The first goal is the most important to us, because if we go 1-0 up, we can have a bit of confidence – it is so decisive for us.

"We didn't take our chances again, but their goalkeeper was very good.

"We hit a post and the crossbar and their keeper made some great saves.

"But we had 20 players available on Saturday so they are still keen.

"It is the front six that I will be mixing to see what works."

Bishops Castle player-manager Alex Jones will be hoping to celebrate his birthday in style with another three points this Saturday.

Jones turns 25 tomorrow (Friday) and goes into the game against Claverley in buoyant mood following a 3-2 comeback win against rivals Clee Hill last weekend.

Jack Mellor grabbed a brace with his brother Luke getting the other goal to secure Castle's second win of the season.

Jones said Niall Thomas, who turned 18 on Monday, was his man-of-the-match.

"I swapped it around in the second half and I went upfront with Niall playing left-midfield," said Jones.

"He did very well there."

Ollie Smith grabbed both of Clee Hill's goals.

"I will be looking for a vast improvement this Saturday against Wrockwardine Wood Juniors because we were atrocious in the second half," said Clee Hill boss Wayne Whitbread."