FC Hodnet returned to winning ways against premier division opposition on Saturday with a 2-1 win away at Telford Juniors in the Insight Ron Jones Memorial Cup first round.
Hodnet got off to a sloppy start, giving the home opposition a soft goal from a free-kick with less than 20 minutes gone.
This gave the home team the impetus to go forward, but Hodnet defended well and looked to play their usual game with plenty of possession.
The first half finished 1-0 to the home side, with Andy Baker having perhaps the best chance of the half, seeing his volley well saved by the Telford goalkeeper.
The second half started scrappily, but Hodnet began to find more time on the ball and looked to use width.
Niall Evans came on as a substitute with half an hour left, and his presence was soon felt when he superbly finished from the edge of the area.
Hodnet threw everything they had at Telford, and with barely five minutes remaining Scott Holiday found the winner with a solid finish from a tight angle.
FC Hodnet will be looking to continue this form in their next league game at home to Wellington Amateurs Reserves on Saturday.
Meanwhile Hodnet Social Club were looking for there third straight win of the new season against a New Kings side that matched them in their desire to play a passing game at a decent pace.
Social found themselves one up early on as Stephen Matthews played a ball round the right full back allowing captain Andy MacCallum to collect the ball down the left, cut in on to his right foot and finish low past the stranded keeper at his near post.
New Kings were not put off though and on a good pitch continued to have a good slice of the possesion as they went in a goal behind at the break.
Social changes were made at half time with fresh legs needed to keep the blistering pace of the game up.
MacCallum turned provider and slipped Anthony Roberts in for Social’s second as he picked his spot and slotted into the bottom corner from 12 yards.
But New Kings replied soon after with a speculative cross shot to the far post which snuck in.
Social’s substitute Kevin George announced his return to the side with a cool finish in at the far post after Nigel Wellings had worked hard to win the ball back in midfield.
Social worked tirelessly to hold on to their lead and man of the match Simon Weaver broke down countless attacks, but it was a nervey last five as New Kings pinched a goal back late on to make it 3-2.
But social held on to make it three wins from three so far this season.
They now travel to local rivals Childs Ercall in an eagerly awaited top of the table clash on Sunday with a 10.30am kick off.