HEADLESS Cross Ladies have been thrown an unexpected chance of a place in the Premier Division of the West Midlands Regional Women's League.

Rob Auld's side were involved in a nailbiting title tussle last season but lost out to Leafield Athletic in the last week of the Division One South season.

But now the Abbey Stadium side have been offered a play-off against Division One North side Stoke for the chance of promotion to the Premier Division.

One of the Premier Division sides has withdrawn from the league so officials have offered the place to the sides in each regional division who missed automatic promotion.

The match will be staged in Walsall on Sunday with kick-off details to be confirmed and Auld is determined to take up the challenge despite missing key players who will be watching the men's Charity Shield match.

Cross are hoping to sign striker Mandy Ellicot from neighbours Redditch United Women after she hit a hat-trick in the club's 4-2 pre-season win at Great Wyrley. Three definite signings are former Great Wyrley duo Rebecca Watson and Tina Benbow and Tamworth striker Teresa Boddington.