EVESHAM beat basement boys Yardley 2-1 in Warwick Printing Hockey League West Midlands Division One despite struggling to find their rhythm after several weeks off.

Confidence was high after a recent upturn in fortunes but, despite a positive approach, Evesham struggled to create many chances on goal.

Strong attacking moves and short corners provided opportunities only for Marcus Humpston and Dave Trevarrow to fire wide from close range.

Evesham were dominant yet struggling to convert this into goals and Yardley surprisingly took the lead as they hit the home side on the break.

The second-half saw a much-improved performance with Simon Chatterley, Martin Husbands and Mark Dufty having a greater attacking influence.

With greater composure in the final third, it was the introduction of Jamie Powell in attack that eventually saw chances converted with two well-taken goals, both from close range.

After equalising shortly after half-time, Evesham showed their patience as they waited until the last 10 minutes before scoring their second.

Yardley had one or two chances towards the end that Dan Osborne easily saved, while Humpston and Wayne Betteridge were composed in defence.

Evesham face a vibrant high-flying Bloxwich side at the weekend, looking to consolidate on a string of better results.

Meanwhile, Pershore lost 6-3 at leaders Old Wulfrunians in a tough game.

They were outplayed but managed to score three goals through Anthony Handley (2) and Gareth Rushton.

The seconds narrowly lost at home to Droitwich 3-2.

Droitwich soon opened the scoring with Pershore retaliating soon after.

The game carried on to that effect for the duration but Droitwich kept hold of the lead towards the end.

Ed Deacon and Ali Sanderson scored for Pershore.