THE league champions bounced back in style following their disappointing defeat at Rimington with a gritty win over mid table Worsthorne.
Again manager Steve Young was forced into changes as the visitors reverted to an orthodox 4-4-2 with Danny Taylor returning following illness but Seedall missed out for the same reason. Colin Piper returned to the starting line-up for the first time since Green's cup defeat to Canberra
On a horrible, boggy pitch the home side started very well and moved the ball around despite the conditions, Green's back four were immediately under pressure as the home side looked sharp. Worsthorne wasted a good chance soon after as Young picked up a Walker backpass but their indirect free kick came to nothing.
However, it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play as Simpson chased down a seemingly lost cause and beat the 'keeper to the ball and finished well from an acute angle.
Worsthorne continued to press despite being a goal down and should have done better on a couple of occasions as they dragged shots wide. Steve Young kept the home side at bay with a couple of good saves as Green went in ahead at half time.
Conditions worsened into the second half but Green's defensive qualities came to the fore for the first time in a while as they held firm despite the home sides good play.
The home side were kept to shots from distance which didn't really trouble Young but Green struggled at times to get into their opponents half. Danny Walker had a good opportunity to double Green's lead following neat play from Ian Simpson but Walker's shot flew over.
Hurst Green had shouts for a penalty turned down as Walker was seemingly held back. Green brought on fresh legs in the form of Dave Young and Dan Wilkinson making his first start this season and it was the latter who created Green's second goal ; Wilkinson got to the byeline and pulled back for Danny Walker to rifle into the bottom corner.
A first clean sheet since early February was a huge plus for Green as this was a very competent defensive performance sadly not seen for a while.