Bromyard Town 0 Lye Town 2

BROMYARD'S run of poor form continued as they slipped to another West Midlands League Premier Division defeat against mid-table Lye, conceding a bizarre first-half goal and a contentious late penalty.

An unexciting first half looked to be heading for stalemate until Bromyard's Rik Halion took a quick free-kick on the half-way line.

The ball rebounded off a retreating Lye player and fell invitingly for a striker to race clear and score.

A battling second-half display by Bromyard brought no reward against the well-organised Lye defence, with frustration boiling over midway through the half and bringing a flurry of yellow cards as the referee tried to keep control.

With time running out Bromyard were rocked when Lye were awarded a penalty after a striker appeared to fall when he tried to jump over a prostrate Andrew James as the home goalkeeper watched the ball go out of play.

The spot-kick was converted and although Bromyard continued to press, the game had slipped beyond their grasp.

l Bromyard bowed out of the Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup at the quarter-final stage when they were beaten 5-0 at home by higher-graded Stourport Swifts.

They battled hard in an entertaining game but were outgunned by superior opposition.