Goalless affair gives hope to struggling home side

A DRAW against top of the table opponents delighted the Evesham side that defended with great spirit.

A determined attitude from the opening whistle was the key to the goalless affair as Evesham were forced to pull back all their players to help keep out their Worcester rivals.

However, it wasn't all one-sided and the hosts strung together a series of fine moves in the first half but failed to find the net.

A similar positive attitude after the break served Evesham well but they had to show superb commitment late on Norton pressed for the winner.

The defence faced a barrage of short corners late in the game but their spirit shone through on a day of fine individual and an outstanding team effort when Danni Cox was named player of the match.

Campden Ladies 3, Bidford 1

BOTH sides turned out depleted sides for Saturday's friendly but it was the hosts who ended the day the happier after a comfortable win.

A brave solo run from halfway by Sarah Bragg led to Campden's opener after ten minutes but, despite numerous attacks from both sides, the score remained 1-0 at the break.

Shirley Aubrey celebrated her return after "maternity leave" to score a fine second for the hosts after the outstanding Kate Henderson, playing an unaccustomed role in central midfield, crossed the ball.

Faye Marchant pulled one back for Bidford with an excellent strike but the home side, sponsored by Pyment's of Campden, had the final say when Bragg scored her second of the day.

Campden entertain Shipston on Sunday.

Kings Heath III 0, Badsey 2

BADSEY made a dream start with a goal inside the opening five minutes courtesy of Lynn Townson's blistering strike.

The goal stunned the hosts and Badsey assumed control of Worcestershire League Division Two match but, despite making all the running, they failed to find a second goal.

However, it didn't take long for them to find the net after the break when Townson struck again following a fine move between Sharon Fish and Jo Cassey.

Badsey's defence were in mean mood and kept a clean sheet on a day when Louise Barry was named player of the match.

It's Kidderminster away this weekend for an 11am pushback.

Portishead Firebrands II 3, Bretforton 1

BRETFORTON'S defence worked well as a unit to deny Firebrands a clear shot on goal early in the game.

It was against the run of play when the visitors had their first penalty corner awarded. It was played short to Sophie Corbett who crossed it to Lisa Workman on the right who fought off several defenders with good stick work, she then put the perfect ball to Andrea Cole who swept the ball into the back of the goal.

Firebrands responded quickly with quality attacking play that resulted in a penalty corner. The home team took it confidently to the top of the circle, neatly passed the ball between themselves and with a clean strike at goal levelled the score.

In the second half it was again Firebrands who piled on the pressure. A tackle by the Bret defence gave Firebrands a fortunate penalty flick which was well taken to give the home side the lead.

A series of good interceptions by the Bristol-based team made it difficult to clear the ball and kept Firebrands in control and another penalty corner made it 3-1.

A change in formation brought Bretforton a few scoring opportunities later in the second half but sound defending kept the ball out at the end of a disappointing visiting display.

Player of the match was Hannah Jordan.

Bretforton are down the M5 again on Saturday to face Bristol University.

Bretforton II 5

Cheltenham CS 0

TRACEY Hodgkins struck twice in the opening ten minutes to give Bretforton the early initiative.

Amy Trotman then made it 3-0 after Hodgkins was denied by the goalkeeper but the latter wasn't to be denied later in the half as she completed her hat-trick.

Civil Service came out stronger after the break but failed to ruffle home feathers as Lorna Beddis, Sue Palmer, Sandy Boswell and goalkeeper Fiona Jordan proved a solid defensive unit.

The final say was left to player of the match Hodgkins who notched her fourth goal of the day to end an enjoyable friendly outing.

The second string entertains Cirencester (11am) on Saturday.

Pershore 3, Harborne IV 0

AFTER several close shaves, Kate Adams was rewarded with the opener just before half-time.

Pershore's solid defence repelled all Harborne raids and a close-range shot from Sarah Nicholson doubled the lead.

A textbook penalty corner move brought a third, and another win, for Trish Kinahan after Victoria Walford's stop and pass.