REDDITCH Men’s Firsts endured mixed fortunes during a double-header weekend.

The Kingfishers, who are third from bottom in the West Midlands Premier, bounced back from a 2-1 loss to Stafford on Saturday with a battling 2-2 draw against high-flying Market Drayton on Sunday.

Against fellow strugglers Stafford, Redditch made a strong start when Callum Pace fired them into a 1-0 lead but after efforts from Jacob Beard was ruled out, the hosts hit back to level.

Redditch went down to nine men after a couple of yellow cards for bad tackling and Stafford won a host of penalty corners before bagging a scrappy winner.

A much-changed side bounced back 24 hours later. Pete Dawson had fired them ahead only for Market Drayton to score twice.

But captain Steve Cook finished off a team move to ensure it was honours even.

Redditch entertain Ludlow on Saturday (1.30pm start).

The Seconds went down 5-2 to Droitwich, with Connor Adams and Dave Pilkington on the scoresheet.

The Thirds were in goal-laden form as they got the better of under-strength Streetly 7-1 at the weekend.

The hosts raced into a 4-0 half-time lead before continuing their rampant form after the break.

Alan Povey and Ben Husband both hit hat-tricks and Brad Bush added another.

On Sunday, the Thirds lost 3-1 at Solihull Blossomfield.

The Kingfishers paid the price for a slow start by falling behind but Wayne Beard grabbed an equaliser.

But another slow beginning to the second period saw the hosts win the game.

l Redditch’s mixed hockey team tackle Edgbaston at home in the second round of the England Hockey Mixed Cup on Sunday (1.30pm ko). People are welcome to attend.