Harborne III 2, Badsey Ladies 1

FOR the second successive week a poor start to the game led to defeat for Badsey against a team they could have beaten.

In the first 20 minutes, Harborne laid siege to the Badsey goal and the defence had to be on top form to withstand the pressure.

Louise King and Caroline Gorner both put in crucial tackles, while goalkeeper Nikki Wright made a series of excellent saves.

Both of Harborne's goals came in the first half. The first arrived when a quick ball found a forward unmarked in the circle, while the second was a rather unfortunate own goal.

Badsey created a couple of chances in the first half but they were unable to convert them.

In the second half, Badsey tried to play a more attacking game and they were able to put the Harborne defence under much more pressure and goalkeeper Wright was basically a spectator.

They grew stronger as the half progressed and the home team tired with the forward line of Karen Robinson, Claire Jones and player of the match Zoe Hodgkins combining well to cause problems.

Badsey's goal came when good work on the right by Robinson enabled her to put over a good cross into the circle that was met with a first time shot by Hodg-kins.

A rejuvenated Badsey went looking for the equaliser but the Harborne defence protected their inexperienced goalkeeper well and the visitors just ran out of time.

Badsey take on Evesham at Redditch RUFC on Saturday, pushback 12 noon.