9:24am Wednesday 28th November 2007
MATT Russell hit a hat-trick as Bromsgrove completed an amazing derby comeback to beat rivals Droitwich 3-2 in West Midlands Division One.
Despite having the majority of the play, Bromsgrove found themselves trailing 2-0 midway through the first half.
But Russell struck before the break, and then twice more after half-time, to complete a thrilling turnaround.
The win puts Bromsgrove hot on the heels of leaders Kings Heath.
Captain Julian Court believes his side proved they are genuine contenders for promotion.
"The effort and team spirit we showed was fantastic," he said.
"We created a lot of chances in the first half but failed to convert.
"At one stage I thought it was going to be one of those days. But we are in second place now and I think we are contenders."
Bromsgrove seconds picked up a 5-0 victory over Kingswinford.
Russell McGettigan and captain Alistair Shaw both found the net twice while Tom Jennings scored the other goal.
Bevan Edwards and Tom Green are struggling to be fit for Saturday's clash with Bloxwich after limping out of the game.
Bromsgrove Ladies seconds toppled league leaders Kidderminster with a 3-1 win.
With the first team game frozen off it was left to the seconds to display the great emerging strength of Bromsgrove Ladies hockey.
They controlled all aspects of play with quick one-touch passing and strong defence.
Bromsgrove took the lead when Jasmine Leigh hammered home a fierce shot following a rebound off the goalie.
Town's second goal was a close range effort from Hannah Owen and Lucy Taylor fired home from an acute angle to get the third.
The win was inspired by fine midfield play from Lorraine Aspland and Sophie Duncan.
Captain Anna Evans said: "Kidderminster only run one team and they are notoriously difficult to beat.
"We harassed them throughout and they couldn't cope with our fluent passing attacks."
A young Bromsgrove Ladies third team lost 3-1 to Kings Heath's second string. They fought hard against more experienced opposition, and Sarah Cooper, just back from injury, scored a fine goal.
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