BEWDLEY Town manager Phil Mullen was pleased with his players’ efforts as they opened their pre-season friendly programme with a 5-0 loss to Stourbridge.

Town had matched their illustrious opponents, who play three levels up in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier.

But two goals just before half-time opened the floodgates. They conceded an own goal, while Jordan Fitzpatrick bagged another just before the break.

Town’s defeat was completed after the break with George Washbourne and a Josh Morgan-Parker double.

Mullen said: “I was happy with the performance for 44 minutes!

“Once they made the breakthrough there was no stopping Stourbridge, who are a very good side.

“But I was pleased with much of what I saw in the first half.”

Bewdley entertain a Worcester City under-21s side which is also expected have a sprinkling of senior squad members in it on Saturday (3pm ko).

They then go to Badsey Rangers next Tuesday (7pm ko) and Littletons on July 26.

Mullen said: “At this time of year it is a bit difficult because players are on holiday but we’ve averaged 22 players in training which is pleasing.

“We’ve also got five more players available so things are coming together.”