HOCKEY: Stourport Men were edged out 1-0 by Barford in the Midlands Premier.

Fresh off an opening day 4-2 loss to Bournville, the Wyre Forest side arrived at Barford knowing this was going to be a tough match with some key players absent.

Some wise words from coach Kali Takher before the game saw the visitors start brightly, causing the home defence some early issues.

Strong starts from Dan Hurley, Pete Clarke and Callum Stanley led to early opportunities for Chris Hoare and George Southall early in the half but Stourport couldn’t find the finishing touch to some neat passing moves.

At the other end, Barford started to grow into the game, with willing runners marshalled well by Will Terry, Chris Parry and stand in skipper Andy Cavendish.

Late in the half, Stourport won a penalty corner but a good save meant the score at half-time was level.

After the break a Dan Hurley strike almost broke the deadlock but Stourport eventually made the breakthrough when Stourport eventually got the ball in the goal courtesy of Will Terry only for it to be ruled out for a foot in the area.

Barford rallied and with ten minutes to go, they bagged the winner.

Stourport entertain North Stafford on Saturday.