Big two get season under way
Shropshire's hockey giants signalled their determination to snatch promotion as they took crucial wins to begin the new campaign in style. Both Telford and Bridgnorth narrowly missed out on promotion to the National League last season and were in stunning form to record 100 per cent starts.
New county champions Telford ran out 5-3 winners against Harborne and will be aiming to continue their encouraging start to the season against Olton & West Warwick on Saturday at Lilleshall (12.30).
Spokesman Jon Woodrow said: "It was a really good match for the side, especially after last season when they beat us 8-3 in the same game.
"Fitness was a massive factor and in the first half we were so much stronger.
"We took advantage and were 3-0 up after just 25 minutes."
First half goals from Alex Johnson and Liam Hennessey made it 3-0 at the break, before Johnson and Dave Tracey cancelled out a Harborne fightback in the second half.
Woodrow added: "We are all training really hard and nobody is sure whether their place in the side is safe."
Telford can call on the previously injured Tom Lauder for this week's game, while South African Gary Royston could be a possibility after his arrival in the country this week.
Telford are playing their home games at Lilleshall while their pitch is relayed.
Bridgnorth head to DTZ Midland Midland Premier League outfit Sutton Coldfield on Saturday aiming to build on an encouraging opening to the season.
They just proved too strong for Edgbaston who were seen off 2-1 at Bridgnorth's temporary home of Madeley Court. Bridgnorth's Nick Gray, who was unlucky to hit the woodwork, is pictured going past Nick Brooker and Ian Wagstaffe
But skipper James Childs insists there remains room for improvement.
"We played very well in the first half and could have been three or four goals up," he said. "But we didn't perform as well at the start of the second half and let them back into the game.
"I never thought we were in danger of losing it but, at 2-1, anything can happen. Thankfully we upped our performance in the final 10 minutes and managed to get home.
Bridgnorth were convinced they had made their early pressure pay when Nick Gray found the net with a rasping drive, only to see the effort disallowed.
But the goals eventually came and strikes from Paul Merrick and Danny Wright were enough to seal the triumph, despite Edgbaston's second half revival.
By James Shaw
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