STOURPORT Men were involved in a thrilling eight-goal clash but were edged out 5-3 by Midlands Premier rivals Nottingham University.

The Kingsway-based outfit knew this was always going to be a difficult game against a University side strengthened by the inclusion of signed players from National League club Beeston, who were unable to get selected for their first-team squad.

So it proved as Stourport found themselves two goals down after eight minutes. Despite the early setbacks, the Wyre Forest side improved and grew into the game.

They handled the opposition with better organisation and retaining the ball for longer periods of the game but failed to get enough from their possession in the final 25 yards.

A superb finish from skipper Chris Hill carved out by himself gave the home side hope as the half-time whistle approached.

However, Stourport conceded a soft goal two minutes before the break to restore Nottingham’s two-goal advantage.

Just after the break, Nottingham increased their lead with two further finishes but Stourport rallied and goals from an Andy Cavendish drag-flick short-corner and a first goal of the season from Peter Clarke reduced the deficit to 5-3.

The game ended with Stourport in the ascendency and well-marshalled by man of the match Mark Moss.

They were pushing to get something from the game even without their regular goalkeeper Alex Cook and ace goalscorer Dan Petrie on the day.

Stourport still remain positive but were left thinking what could have been if they had started the game better.

They must now pick themselves up and go again on Sunday when they host Birmingham-based and ex-National League club side Barford Tigers (noon start).