CHURCH Stretton manager Scott Peever praised his side’s bouncebackability after they shrugged off a mauling last time out to round off 2021 with a five-star display last weekend.

Stretton put an 8-3 defeat at Newport Town firmly behind them by beating Shrewsbury Up and Comers 5-1 to end the year fifth in the new Salop Leisure League Premier Division.

James Hill put them ahead early on and although Shrewsbury levelled, Stretton soon regained the lead through Carl Jones before Jack Davis scored two and completed his hat-trick after the break.

“It was pleasing,” said Peever. “We had to bounce back from the thrashing week before, so I was pleased the players responded.

“We’re very hot and cold, we’ve got a lot of young lads and we thought there would be some bumps in the road.

“Consistency is missing but when we have got a full 11 available, we are capable of turning anyone over but we can lose to anyone as well.

“The week before, I can’t explain it – it was one of those freak results that I’ve not been on the wrong end of too many times.

“Some of the goals were shambolic and words were said at the end of the game, so it was nice to have a response and to end the year on a positive note.”

Ludlow FC remain second in the table but their final fixture of 2021, away at AFC Bridgnorth Development, was postponed.

In the Herefordshire League, there were no games in the Premier Division but Tenbury United reclaimed top spot in Division One by thrashing Kington Town Reserves 6-1.

Ryan Morris scored twice for Tenbury, while Aaron Morris, Chris Patton, Gavin Podmore and Adam Staples also netted.

Victory puts United two points clear of Hereford Lads Club Reserves and with a vastly superior goal difference, although the second-placed side do have a game in hand.

Ludlow Colts Reserves sit sixth after they completed the calendar year with a 1-0 win at home to Ledbury Town Reserves.

Sonny Pennington got the finishing touch on a Josh Bull strike to give Colts a win that should have been more comfortable.