Badsey Ladies 0, Bromsgrove 6

NEWLY promoted Badsey got some indication of the challenge facing them this year last Saturday.

Their performance was affected by a chronic lack of match practice, however, they were beaten by the better team on the day.

Both teams started brightly and, on more than one occasion, Karen Whelan, Zoe Hodgkins and Lynn Ellarby combined well to give the visitors' defence a fright.

At the back, player of the match Louise King marshalled the defence superbly to thwart Bromsgrove's increasing attacks, while goalkeeper Fiona Baldelli made some crucial saves.

Badsey's determined resistance was broken midway through the first half when Bromsgrove took the lead with a close-range shot.

In the second half, Badsey defended solidly but it was inevitable that Bromsgrove would score further goals as the home team began to tire, despite goalkeeper Baldelli being in top form.