NEITHER Worcester men nor women were able to gain some early festive cheer with a Midlands League win.

The men's firsts lost 5-1 at Warwick in Midlands One after a slow start allowed the hosts two early goals.

Warwick continued to put the visitors under pressure but last-ditch defending and saves from keeper Tom Dalton kept it 2-0 at half-time.

Third-from-bottom Worcester started the second period much better and a deflection from a penalty corner saw Matt Gardner score.

But mid-table Warwick responded well and took control with three quick goals to complete a comprehensive win.

The third-placed women’s firsts fell 4-1 at Midlands Feeder West leaders Bromsgrove despite hoping to avenge their defeat earlier in the season.

Worcester were soon under pressure and although they found opportunities in attack Bromsgrove took the lead.

The visitors fought back well even after losing a player to a temporary suspension but went into the break 2-0 down.

There was a lengthy stoppage after an injury to a Bromsgrove player before half-time.

In the second period Worcester started to string more passes together but their hosts scored a third goal.

Then a quick ball from midfield found Saska Ingham whose shot rebounded off the post and Tash Walker put in the rebound from close range for Worcester.

But Bromsgrove found a fourth goal before they also went down to 10 players and held on to the three-goal advantage.

Worcester visit Old Silhillians on Saturday.

Worcester men’s seconds lost 7-4 at home to former national league side and West Midlands Premier leaders Cannock who dominated the first half.

Worcester battled back and bossed the second period with two goals for Dan Rickman and one each for Luke Bowerman and Rob Goodman.

The thirds had a tough afternoon against top side Birmingham University losing 14-0 but the fourths fared better by winning a scrappy match against Barford 1-0 through a Stu Mackellar penalty corner.

The fifths lost 3-0 at Redditch and the sixths fell 5-1 to a strong Old Halesonians team with a consolation goal from Andy Griffin.

Worcester women's seconds conceded the first goal but dominated from then on to beat Redditch 5-2 with goals from Lucy Merrett (2), Jo Baggs, Julie Harwood and Bea Morgan.

The third XI lost 3-0 to Old Halesonians but the fourths beat Redditch 4-1 with two goals for Georgie Ballard and one each for SJ Dunsby and Daisy Stone.

Worcester Badgers Potters beat their club-mates Pippins 6-1 in a youth fixture.

An injury-hit women’s over 35s lost their second round of the age group cup competition 5-1 to Solihull Blossomfield with a consolation goal from Libby Wycherley.

But the girls' under 16 girls won their cup match 10-0 against Harborne with Louisa De Vos, Eleanor Fawcett, Poppy Turnbull (3), Millie Moseley (2) and Abby Trow (2) among the goals.