WORCESTER women’s over 30s team marched into English Hockey’s summer national cup quarter-finals with a comfortable victory.

They beat Spalding 2-0 at Nunnery Wood in the last 16 thanks to goals from Emma Hughes and Helen Davenport.

Despite Worcester having much of the play with several shots and penalty corners, the first half was goalless.

But with the benefit of a full squad including substitutes Worcester went out in the second half confident that Spalding would tire with just 11 players travelling.

A Julie Harwood run down the right was brought to a dramatic end with a swinging stick to the knee.

Worcester knew the best way to respond was to pile more pressure on Spalding which was eventually rewarded with a calmly-taken shot by Hughes from a few yards inside the area.

Spalding looked to push on the break and there were some nervy moments but the Worcester defence stood firm.

More ice was needed as Davenport and a Spalding player clashed heads leaving Worcester with a player advantage.

After a few more switches to rest tired legs, Davenport rejoined the fray and slotted away a chance to make it 2-0 which Worcester comfortably held on to until the final whistle.

The reward is another home tie on Sunday at Nunnery Wood against opposition to be confirmed.