The STRS first XI suffered their first defeat of the season on a bitterly cold Saturday morning in Worcester. Without eight key members of the squad, Mr Jobson was able to call upon some of the fringe players and is extremely pleased with their commitment and the level at which they performed. No fewer than five players were tasting first team action for the first time this season. After kick off was delayed by an hour due to a frozen pitch, STRS started brightly and it was not long before Stefaniszyn was given the ball just inside the opposition box, turning on a sixpence and firing a lethal shot into the bottom corner. A very well drilled King's side worked their way into the game and found the equaliser midway through the first half. It was not long until they then took the lead with a well worked goal, capitalising on some uncertainty in the STRS ranks. The start of the second half saw King's begin to dominate possession and they took advantage of some defensive slips to take the game to 4-1, scoring twice in short succession. The score could have been worse at this point but for an excellent performance between the sticks from Holder. The now galvanised STRS team then finished the game with gusto, dominating possession and territory for the final 15 minutes. Price sent a quality ball into the box and Smerdon managed to poke the ball home; nothing more than they deserved for their superb effort and energy. With not long left on the clock, STRS gained a free kick about 20 yards out. Smerdon stepped up and smashed an unstoppable curling free kick into the top left corner, setting up a tense finish. Unfortunately, Tommies were unable to grab a late equaliser but they head into their next game at Marling full of confidence and belief. Onwards and upwards - Garde Ta Foy.