Tom LiversageSTRETTON Eagles recorded a third win on the bounce in Midland Combination Division One thanks to a powerful period in the first half against Droitwich Spa.
A brace from Scott Walkman and goals from Jordan Dent and Tom Liversage inflicted the damage on a Droitwich side who battled to the end and can claim to have been the better side as the game wore on.
“We performed fantastically for a 25-minute period in the first half,” said Eagles boss Simon Watson.
“We were irresistible, with an end product of three goals. I was alarmed, though, by how early the lads considered the game finished.
“We dropped into a low gear and couldn’t budge it.
“It was a shame for those in attendance who had expected more enterprising football in the second half.”
Bryan Barker and Ben Watson came into the side, with Clayton Harris a last- minute withdrawal and Craig Swinfield unavailable.
Dave Kirkland returned in goal after a two-week injury absence.
Stretton looked dominant and it was no surprise when Walkman was released by Watson to drive powerfully home from the right of the box.
Eagles doubled their lead on 22 minutes when Upton was crudely felled in the box for Liversage to stroke home the spot kick.
Stretton were now in full cry and had further chances before Walkman flicked home a third.
They came out of the blocks with pace at the start of the second half but did not seem to have the will to put their visitors to the sword, while Droitwich were intent on damage limitation.
Walkman flicked on a long ball from Steve Freeman for Dent to volley home on 65 minutes but Eagles rarely threatened again.
Droitwich grabbed a consolation goal when a hopeful long ball to the far post was headed home.
EAGLES: Kirkland, Mander, Freeman, Gaynor, Brown, Watson, Liversage, Dent, Upton, Barker, Walkman. Subs Wheildon, Ellerton, Britton.
