AFC Telford United snapped up summer signing Terry Fearns to boost their goals-for record and he wasted little time in opening his account.

Prolific marksman Fearns, signed from Droylsden, netted twice as the Bucks began their pre-season fixtures with a convincing 5-1 victory at Stratford Town.

He took just four minutes to hit his first goal with a header and though Mark Faulds levelled on 28 minutes, Fearns restored the Bucks' lead five minutes later by deflecting a Liam Blakeman shot.Further goals from Jamie Vermiglio, Carl Rodgers and Matty Lewis sealed Telford's victory.

Nuneaton Town's first match since reforming ended with a 2-0 home defeat to Blue Square Premier side Histon. Danny Sparkes hit the opening goal on 32 minutes and Lee Brennan made it 2-0 five minutes after half-time.

Town, who have been demoted two levels to the British Gas Business League Midlands Division after Nuneaton Borough went into ad-ministration, had to wait until the final minute to create their best chance when teenager Levi Ramsay fired wide.

Worcester City manager Richard Dryden and hi asistant Carl Heeley both had run-outs as their side fell to two late goals in a 2-0 defeat to Cheltenham Town.

City both included trialists Anthony Robinson and Jake Edwards and Robinson, Craig Wilding and Jamie Price all threatened to open the scoring in the first half.

Bu Cheltenham broke the deadlock 12 minutes from time when Ryan Martin slammed home a 25-yard shot past goalkeeper Phil

Palethorpe. Former Birmingham City striker James McPike added the second six minutes from time.

Bloxwich United gave as good as they got in football's return to the town before losing 1-0 to a Walsall XI.

Bloxwich, who are back playing at the old Red Lion Ground, went close when Daniel Battison's shot hit the crossbar, but Saddlers substitute Sean Geddes grabbed their winner on 76 minutes.

* Duane Darby has ticked off another three members of his Bromsgrove Rovers squad for the new season after Dennis Pearce, Mat Birley and Gary Knight confirmed their futures at the club.

Player-manager Darby has been delighted to persuade experienced former Redditch United, Worcester City and Stafford Rangers defender Pearce to make the switch from Halesowen Town.

Midfielder Birley and defender Knight have both resigned for next season as the Greens bid to bounce back from relegation to the British Gas Business Midlands Division.

Pearce's arrival follows the captures of James Dormand, Tom Brady, Dean Craven and Luke Reynolds but Darby says there is still room to add to the squad ahead of the league kick-off.

"I've got a few trialists and it's a case of giving them games and see how they fare," said Darby. "I've got a squad of 20 and 22 will be big enough.

"We are near enough there with the players' we've got, but there's still a couple of places up for grabs."

Rovers will start their warm-up to the big kick-off on August 16 on Wednesday when they travel to Cradley Town for their first friendly.