Harborne IV 3, Badsey 1

SATURDAY'S Worcester-shire League second division match was much closer than the final scoreline would suggest.

Badsey started well and put the home side under considerable pressure with some quick passing and good movement.

Sarah Turner was driving the play forward from centre midfield with good support from Shelley Banner and Sarah Rickey.

Zoe Hodgkins led the forward line well and good work on the wings by Nikki Wright and Angela Heath caused problems for Harborne on numerous occasions.

As the half progressed, the home side began to put their passes together and finally made the breakthrough after a quick attack left the Badsey defence stranded.

This gave Harborne confidence and the visitors' defence had to be alert for the rest of the half to repel more attacks. Goalkeeper Rachel Leeming and defenders Caroline Gorner, Wendy Hardy, Fiona McNeish and Jordan Lane combined well to deny the hosts the chance to go further ahead.

Badsey had an early boost after the restart when Banner equalised following a goalmouth scramble.

However, Harborne's second goal came from a short corner routine was quickly followed by a third when the Badsey defence was again exposed.

As the match progressed, tempers became frayed on both sides, but Badsey never gave up hope. And, with player of the match Jane Rickey distributing the ball well, they came close to reducing the deficit.

This weekend's scheduled game against Camp Hill has been cancelled so the next competitive game will be in the new year against Ilming-ton.