Redditch Ladies 1

Droitwich Ladies 1

THE town's ladies had to settle for a share of the points in this derby battle.

Stella Smith made a welcome return for the home side as they were without five first-team squad members.

Redditch took the lead after 15 minutes when Liz Thompson and Olivia Nicholson saw Emma Preston add to her recent impressive goal-scoring tally with a flick over the Droitwich keeper.

However, Droitwich equalised just before half-time from a penalty corner.

Redditch bravely pushed forward, created a couple of good chances after the break, but were unable to take the lead.

In defence a strong performance at left back by Player of the Match Karen Buckthorpe helped Redditch thwart the Droitwich attacks.

The game finished in controversy as Droitwich claims for a penalty flick off the final penalty corner of the match were ignored.

Redditch next Bromsgrove away this Saturday.