Whitchurch believe that they have secured their West Midlands hockey division one survival after a 3-1 win at Newtown.

The Reds are now four points clear of the bottom four with four games remaining – and that is a gap large enough to be a cause for celebration, according to club veteran Tom Leonard.

“It was a very pleasing day’s work for us,” he said. “Newtown beat us 6-1 earlier in the season and I think they thought that it was going to be another walk in the park.

“These young guys are improving week on week so I am glad that we should be safe from relegation now because that would have been harsh on them.”

Whitchurch went on to lose 3-2 at Bromsgrove the following the day as older legs tired.

Youngster Josh Tios gave the visitors an early lead against Newtown with a fortunate deflection from a Leonard shot.

That set the tone for the first half as Whitchurch continued to apply the pressure but with no reward.

Luke Davies made it 2-0 after the break from a penalty flick – after being forced to retake as the umpire was not ready.

Dave Hamer pulled one back for Newtown with 10 minutes remaining but Nick Brocklehurst made the points safe on 68 minutes with a beautiful lob over the ‘keeper from the edge of the D.

“We just didn’t turn up,” said Newtown skipper Andy Denham. “We were absolutely awful and played right into their hands by running into them all the time.”

Whitchurch fought back from two goals down against Bromsgrove on Sunday but still came away with nothing.

Goals from Mitch Drake-Brockman and Mike Shrimplin, out of retirement for one game only, made it 2-2 at the break before the home side took control.

Newtown were also in action on the day of rest and it was another disappointing performance by the Maldwyn men as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Old Silhilians.

Richard Jones missed a number of golden chances for Newtown, who now need a couple of results themselves to stave off the threat of relegation.

Newtown are at league leaders West Brom on Saturday while Whitchurch host Old Silhillians.

Captain Paul Marshallsay, who was rested against Bromsgrove, is back in the centre for Whitchurch while Paul Leigh replaces Jamie Griffiths in goal.