WORCESTER United Ladies recovered with a draw after their 18-game winning run ended on losing 3-2 to Redditch United in the West Midlands Women’s League Division One South Cup.

They drew 1-1 against the same side in the league at the Valley Stadium.

Redditch top the division by eight points but Worcester have five games in hand.

United dominated until key player Karli Smith was forced off with a hamstring problem.

They brought on Katie Armento but Redditch hit back and used the width of the pitch to their advantage.

However, a Lucy Sinead strike from the edge of the box broke the deadlock after 35 minutes following an Annie Highway assist.

United knew it was key to avoid defeat and were under pressure in the second half.

Redditch launched a number of attacks and Worcester keeper Alisha Hine saved from point-blank range two times.

But the hosts finally equalised in the 80th minute when a neat passing move saw their attacker one-on-one with Hine to finish.

Worcester manager Ryan O’Connor said: “It was a real squad effort to come away with an invaluable point against a very good Redditch side.

“Credit to both sets of players as it was a great advert for the ladies’ game in Worcestershire.

“I am very proud of this Worcester team. We have a lot of hard games coming up but have put ourselves in a position where we are going to be very competitive for the title and promotion.”

Meanwhile, Droitwich Spa slipped off the pace with a 3-1 loss at Solihull United.