THE goal tally was down on their previous meeting but Kidderminster Harriers Ladies were just pipped 2-1 by Stoke City on Sunday.

Harriers had lost their previous West Midlands League Premier Division meeting 10-2 four weeks ago and were still missing key players.

However, they produced a good display in Staffordshire and contested an even first half-hour.

City had a good chance on 14 minutes but Harriers keeper Rachel Baldwin pulled off a superb save by diving low to her left.

Two minutes later, Kailee Hurdiss rescued the visitors with a good tackle just inside the penalty area.

Harriers' best chance arrived on 21 minutes when excellent play between Lynsey Pollard and Steph Barber set up Emma Purslow who fired straight at the keeper from 18 yards.

Stoke took the lead seven minutes before the interval when Vicky Brayne found the bottom left-hand corner with a low 16-yard shot.

And then Brayne doubled the tally as the half-time whistle neared with a volley from a right-wing cross.

Harriers had most of the play in the second period but found Stoke difficult to break down until they reduced the arrears on 75 minutes.

Vicky Hyde set up Sam Rogers and the young winger slotted the ball under the diving keeper from 14 yards.

Harriers pushed for the equaliser but Lisa Stokes shot wide four minutes later and then Hyde was stretchered off with a leg injury.

Fixture, Sunday: Harriers Ladies v Cosford (kick-off 2pm, Wilden Village Cricket Club).