PERSHORE returned to winning ways with a relatively routine 6-3 victory at Tamworth in Midland Men's Hockey League West Midlands One.

A bright start yielded two early goals sparked by a tap-in from Ben Kreczmer-Martin after fine build-up play by Tony Handley.

Handley then slotted home the first of his hat-trick with a smart finish from the left flank.

But Pershore were soon pegged back by two quick goals from Tamworth with the first from a direct route that caught the defence napping.

The second arrived from a short-corner routine and shot that caught keeper Rob Curly off balance.

However, Graham Handley restored the Pershore lead at half-time with a well-taken goal at the far post.

The visitors played a much better second half and set up a goal by Graham Rushton from a routine short corner.

Two more from Tony Handley allowed Pershore a comfortable win in the end despite a late third from Tamworth.

The fourth-placed firsts host Wolverhampton on Saturday.

Veteran midfielder Dave Ingram’s three-goal haul in an 11-0 romp for the seconds against Redditch fourths was one to cherish after he was injured early in the game.

It made Ingram the only current Pershore player to score in five consecutive decades.

He was ably supported as Gav Pugh impressed at the back while the midfield understanding of Russ Scudamore and John Senior laid the foundations for a dominant display.

Swift passing, intelligent running and timely interceptions allowed Toby Whiting and Vinnie Crowley to maraud down the right.

Though Redditch battled gamely to the end the result was never in doubt.  James Cartright scored again to keep up his 2020 perfect record.

Crowley, Scudamore and Senior bagged four between them and ever-green Ali Sanderson also scored a hat-trick.

Pershore’s next opponents are league leaders Kingswinford on February 1.