Lads Club 6 Tenbury United 1

TENBURY United co-boss Nick Stocker believed the positives outweighed the negatives after his side’s first pre-season game, a 6-1 defeat at Lads Club.

The Herefordshire League Premier Division outfit were well beaten by their higher-rated opponents, with joint player-manager Aaron Morris accounting for their goal from the penalty spot, but Stocker admitted: “It was a great run out against a very good side.

“We may have lost 6-1 but for a lot of the game we competed really well.

"Two penalties in the first half and then three late goals spoiled what was a decent performance.

“Although it sounds like a hammering, for large parts of the game we matched them and had some good chances of our own.

“We defended well in the first half with Gaz Edwards and Sam Williams particularly standing out.

"We were missing a few lads, with Lee Millichip, Dale Withers and Paul Smith all having become dads in the last two weeks and Dan Gittens and Tom Farr injured.

“It gave us an opportunity to give some of the younger lads and new signings a good run out.”

Youngster Harry Moran started his first game for the club before going off with a hamstring injury, Ed Kirby played the final 20 minutes in goal and new recruit Chris Patton had an impressive second half after moving from Tenbury Town during the summer.

Clee Hill United, who host AFC Ludlow next Tuesday night, began their pre-season countdown with a 3-1 victory Orleton Colts, and a 6-4 verdict against a young Newbridge side.

Steve Preece, Dave Perks and an own goal accounted for their trio against Orleton, all in the first half as they were quickly out of the blocks, while Liam Whitbread bagged a hat-trick against Newbridge, with Connor Deignan (2) and Adam Warren adding the others.

Boss Wayne Whitbread said: “There were two excellent matches for us.

"Orleton really tested our fitness and the scoreline possibly flattered us.

"Then we were missing a few players due to holidays and weddings against Newbridge and their young side, mainly made up of 16 and 17-year-olds, never gave up battling.”