CLEE Hill manager Wayne Whitbread said he could not have asked more from his players after narrowly going down 2-0 against leaders AFC Broseley in Mercian Regional League Division One.

Whitbread’s team had a number of chances to even win the game, but it was Broseley who were celebrating at the end.

“We played very well and 2-0 certainly flattered them,” said Whitbread.

“I was over the moon with our performance.

“We started a bit sluggish and our ball retention wasn’t that good, but their keeper made a really good save from Connor Deignan before saving from Adam Warren’s follow-up. It looked like we were going to go into half-time 0-0, but with about five minutes to go they scored.”

Whitbread said his side dominated the second half but it was Broseley who would have the final say by securing the win.

Clee Hill are back in action on January 10 against Brown Clee.

It was a much better story for Church Stretton who grabbed an excellent 2-1 away win at Shifnal United 97 in the Premier Division. Adam Spellman and Sean Gough both scored to secure the victory after Shifnal took the lead.

Manager Paul Smith had to play in goal due to a number of players being unavailable and said he was delighted with the win.

“In the first 20 minutes we were up against it but after that we dominated and deserved the win,” said Smith.

“It was a very enjoyable performance and there were jubilant scenes at the end."

Stretton are away to FC Oswestry Town this Saturday in a game that will be played on an artificial pitch.

“They are going very well in third place in the league so it will be a difficult game,” said Smith.

Bishops Castle’s Division One game against Brown Clee was postponed.