HEADLESS Cross Ladies have reached their first ever final despite losing star striker Mandy Ellicott for Sunday's 1-0 semi final win over Fairfield Villa.

Ellicott was at the Worthington Cup final along with Cross midfielder Melanie Potter and to add to manager Rob Auld's problems, striker Teresa Boddington went down with food poisoning on the morning of the game.

Auld himself was absent on holiday but gave orders to reshuffle the side and Mandy Hill and Janine Hamilton were added to the starting lineup.

Makeshift striker Lisa Paronuzzi was the hero, scoring the only goal after being moved up front from her favoured right back berth.

The date for the final has yet to be fixed but Cross are hoping the match will be played at Hereford United's Edgar Street ground.

It was a fantastic weekend for Cross because runaway Division One South leaders Kidderminster were held to a surprise 3-3 draw by Southam.

The result means Kidderminster enjoy a seven point advantage on the Lye Meadow tenants but Cross have a game in hand and an outstanding fixture against the leaders.

Cross seem certain to get their title hopes back on track at lowly Racing Club Hibernians on Sunday (ko 2pm).

Headless crushed the second from bottom club 11-0 at home ten days ago with 43-goal Ellicott hitting ten of them.

And Racing Club will be no doubt delighted to learn Ellicott will be available at the weekend along with Potter and Boddington.