PLUCKY Stourport could not prevent University of Exeter rising to the top of the Men's Conference West despite a spirited performance in Saturday's 4-2 loss.

The Wyre Forest side tested Exeter, who rose one place to the top of the table after the victory.

Despite the defeat, Stourport remain sixth in the table, still with a five point gap over the teams directly below them.

Stourport's promising England under-21 Chris Griffiths handed the visitors a strong start at University when he opened the scoring.

However, they were stunned by three goals in the space of four minutes when Tom Carson, Toby Roche and Ian Haley struck to leave the away side trailing 3-1.

Stourport though battled back into the game and Luke Edwards pulled a goal back from a penalty corner in the 29th minute.

In a close second half the home side prevailed when Carson doubled Exeter's advantage from a penalty corner.

Despite defeat, Stourport finished the first half of the season in a strong position in the Conference West.

They have played nine games, winning four and losing five but have yet to record a draw so far this campaign.

Stourport return to league action on Sunday, February 1 when they go down south to play St George's Men.

Kidderminster lost 7-0 to Redditch in the West Midlands Premier Division.

Stourport ladies suffered a rare loss 2-1 to Leighton Buzzard in the Midlands Division One on Saturday.

Despite being under pressure, Stourport took the lead through a breakaway goal by Hannah Goss.

Their good work was undone when they conceded a goal from a short corner just before half-time.

Stourport stepped up a gear in the second half but could not take advantage of a host of goal-scoring chances.

They were made to pay when Leighton bagged a late winner.

The seconds got amongst the goals when they beat Droitwich's first team 4-0, with Caroline Siddell, Claire Dodd (2) and Fran Baron hitting the back of the net.

Stourport's third team edged Bromsgrove's seconds 1-0, with Holly Lashford on target.

The fourths team went down 6-1 to Droitwich's seconds, with Kate Bailey grabbing a consolation goal.

Kidderminster ladies are still waiting for their first win in the Worcestershire League Division One after losing 2-0 to Kings Heath.

Despite poor visibility because of fog, Kidderminster held their own until they conceded a goal just before half-time.

Kidderminster were reduced to ten players because of injury after the break but defended doggedly until the Birmingham side's pressure forced a second goal.

Women's fixtures - Saturday: Stourport 2nds v Kings Heath; Stourport 3rds v Stourport 4ths.

Men: Old Wulfrunians v Kidderminster.