Rae Valley Ladies 0

Headless Cross Ladies 2

DESPITE missing several key players, Headless Cross were too strong for Rae Valley as they came away with a well deserved 2-0 win.

In a tight first-half, player of the match Denise Markham's shot - which was saved off the line for Mandy Ellicott to blaze over the bar from six yards - was the closest both teams came to a goal.

But Cross started to dominate proceings for long periods after the break and soon took the lead.

Markham put in Teressa Boddington to score on her second attempt after her first shot was well saved.

Cross were now on top and secured victory after an Elaine Frampton corner found Mandy Ellicott unmarked to head home with a powerful header. Valley pushed Cross back in the last ten minutes and again hit the cross bar, but they held out to be worthy winners.

Cross take a break from league action next week as they defend the county cup against county side Bredon Ladies.

Manager Rob Auld later said he was delighted with the start his side are having to their league campaign this season. Cross have now won four of their five games to move them up to third in the Premier League.

Headless Cross Ladies Reserves gave debuts to Jo Wedgbury & Claire Whitby in their 4-2 defeat to Kidderminster.

Kidderminster opened their account midway through the first half and increased their lead with a fine, individual goal from the opposing winger. Kidderminster increased their lead to 3-0.

But Cross score when Lucie Staniland scored from a free-kick. Kidderminster soon grabbed a fourth, but Cross grabbed a goal back through Vicky Gardiner.