JOINT-boss Nick Stocker revealed how a verbal tirade from right-hand-man Aaron Morris had helped Tenbury United rediscover their Midas touch.

A second-half rout saw the Herefordshire League title outsiders wipe the floor with Leominster Town 6-1 but only after a frustrating opening 45 minutes.

In spite of being without Dale Withers, Gavin Podmore and Dan Gittens, United seized control from the first whistle only to spurn gilt-edged chances throughout the first half.

Leominster were happy to slow down proceedings and thwart Tenbury’s natural rhythm until the breakthrough arrived on 35 minutes.

Ryan Morris worked some space on the left and crossed for Chris Patton to tap in from close range, much to the relief of the home support.

But no sooner had they forced a way through, a sloppy moment gifted Town a lifeline. Stocker gave away a free-kick on the edge of the box and when the cross was dropped by keeper Ed Kerby, Connor Bufton was on hand to convert from six yards.

Morris’s unforgiving blast seemed to do the trick as United posed a greater threat from the start of the second half.

Patton completed a hat-trick, substitute Simon Newhill scored a quick-fire double after coming on with 20 minutes to go and Sam Williams rounded things off with a penalty.

“It was a weird game,” said Stocker. “We expected a much tougher fixture than we got but I think they were struggling for numbers.

“The boys did well in the end. The first half was so one sided we should have been ahead by at least six goals but once we had worked ourselves into good positions in the final third, the final part of our play was as poor as I’ve seen for ages. We couldn’t convert our chances.

“Aaron dished out a right rollicking at half-time and it was fully deserved. We cannot afford any more slip-ups and if we didn’t improve there was certainly one on the cards.

“Credit where it is due, though, we got better and the goals soon came. Chris Patton was superb and it was nice to see Si Newhill score a couple too.

“We’ve had to change a few things over the past couple of weeks with Aaron being suspended and a few of the boys dropping out due to work commitments but we’ve done okay.

“With the Worcestershire Cup final coming up in three weeks’ time I’d like to think the availability will start to improve again.”

Third-placed United have now played the same number of games as leaders Hinton and trail by five points with six matches remaining.

Stocker’s men journey to Hereford Lads Club reserves on Saturday (2.30) with Hinton heading to Ledbury Town.