JOINT-boss Nick Stocker lauded Tenbury United’s powers of recovery after watching his side come back to beat fancied Ewyas Harold 2-1.

Stocker, in sole charge with right-hand man Aaron Morris on his honeymoon, experienced a tough first 45 minutes having changed to three at the back.

But with Ash Giles and Edd Anton making an impact from the bench, Ryan Morris and skipper Mike Foster turned the tide after the interval to keep Tenbury’s title bid on track.

Chris Patton chased down a dallying Harold defender to tee up Morris’s strike from 12 yards with Foster’s headed match-winner arriving 15 minutes from time following good work from Anton.

Tenbury should have increased their lead when Anton hit the crossbar before Gavin Podmore blazed over from six yards and missed a penalty.

That made for an uncomfortable finish but Stocker declared himself pleased with the outcome.

“I was really happy with the result,” he said. “It has been a difficult start to the season with players on holiday, Aaron getting married and us not playing regularly due to the cricket.

“The formation was completely new so I understand why we were so slow to get going and what pleased me the most was the way the boys reacted after half-time.

“Coming in one down and not playing well, they could have let their heads drop and but they came out fighting and should have won the game comfortably in the end.

“The couple of changes we made at the break had a big impact. Matt Kurkus and Simon Newhill have been two of our best players so far this season but they struggled.

“Ash and Edd gave us extra energy in the middle and it speeded up our play. Hopefully, we can now settle into a rhythm with the games coming thick and fast in the league and cup.

“Most people have had their holidays and we don’t have any injuries to contend with so I expect a positive month or two.”

United were due to visit Barnt Green Spartak on Wednesday in the Smedley Crooke Cup (7.45) with a home clash against Feckenham Reserves in the Worcestershire Saturday Minor Cup on Saturday (2.30pm).

Next Wednesday, Tenbury return to league action with a visit to Pegasus Reserves (7.45).

“The league looks quite open this year,” added Stocker. “Every team seems to be dropping points and Wellington have surprised everyone with their disappointing start.

“Ledbury and Hinton look strong for me. Ledbury is always a tough place to go no matter what side they put out and it looks like they have a good team this time.”