OLD Halesonians men’s first XI put in a gritty performance against runaway leaders Worcester in their Warwick Printing Midlands One league home game but came away pointless with a 1 - 0 defeat.

Against a side averaging five goals a game and with a 100 per cent record, Hales knew they were in for a battle and they were to do so without top scorer Tom Bulteel and Cole Hickman had to pull out five minutes into the game with sight problems.

Hales more than held their own against their opponents and showed again why they have one of the league’s best defensive records.

Despite Worcester’s creativity, they struggled to unlock a tight Hales backline. Worcester mainly looked to score from short corners, but were denied by several saves from keeper Steve Charlton, goal line clearances from Paul Woodall and Mark Curzon and blocks by Chris Wattley and Ben Hughes. In fact, Hales could and should have scored late on in the first half, when Ash Greaves was played in in front of goal, however he failed to make contact with the ball.

Tom Bolton also had a half chance with a shot across the goal, but both sides went in goalless at half time.

Worcester’s pressure eventually paid off early in the second period, when a short corner was rocketed into the top corner of the net.

Hales tried hard to get back into the game, with Tom Durnford’s short corner effort saved by the opposition keeper, but their efforts were not to be enough as they struggled to create enough chances.

There were plenty of positives to take from the game and Hales have shown huge improvements since last season, but they know they need to now look to increase their creativity and clinical side if they are to continue their rise.

They travel to recently-relegated Hampton-In-Arden on Saturday.

Other clubs sides fared better, with both the fifth team and the youngsters in the Badgers recording victories and the third XI drawing, but the second XI and Ladies sides were both defeated.