Evesham Ladies 1,

Worcester Norton 0

AFTER a difficult start to the season Evesham's hard work and perseverance paid off on Saturday with a well-earned victory.

In what was never going to be an easy match, Evesham used good teamwork and communication to good effect.

Norton found it difficult to break Evesham's solid defence and up front Evesham were unlucky when they had a goal disallowed, but this didn't dampen their spirits as they battled on unrewarded in a goalless first half.

Promising performances from juniors Tash Salter and Vicky Pullin helped to keep Worcester on the back foot after the break and, with Evesham encamped in Worcester's circle, it was inevitable that they would score.

After several shots desperately cleared by the defence, player of the match Kayleigh Hateley finally managed to find the back of net.

A brick wall defence and good saves by Charmaine Mitchell kept Worcester at bay to leave the hosts worthy and delighted winners.

Stroud 2, Bretforton 2

DESPITE persistent early attacks by a confident Bretforton side, quality defending by the Stroud sweeper kept the visitors at bay.

After 20 minutes, Julie Hall picked up the ball on the edge of the circle and skilfully rounded two defenders to cross for centre forward Gilly Wright to convert.

Stroud looked dangerous on the break and were unlucky when a shot deflected off a post.

The second half opened with the hosts seeming to step up a gear and a surprised Bretforton were pinned back in their own half.

It was the home team's turn to dominate and, although the visitors had several attacks, it was the Stroud quick passing that opened up the villagers' defence for the equaliser.

Good distribution from Jane Wheeler to the forwards enabled the visitors to get back into the game.

Despite Bobbie Handley marking the centre forward out of the game it was their midfield who produced the telling attacks which eventually led to them taking the lead.

A determined Bretforton fought back hard with good work by midfielder and player of the match Andrea Cole to gain a succession of short corners. Unfortunately, none were converted but Wright lifted the ball over the sprawling keeper for Hall to stroke in the leveller.

Bretforton II 2, Dursley 0

FACING their toughest test of the season, the home Severn League Division Three table toppers came out strong from the first whistle to record a fine win.

Sporting their new strip, Bretforton produced some neat passing play and Holly Hicks gave them the lead after good work from Marion Icke, Hannah Jordan, Jude Edgehill and Lorna Beddis.

A second goal soon followed when Blanche Surman slotted the ball home after Tracey Hodgkins and Sarah Bragg had combined at a short corner.

Edgehill's raids up the flank were a feature of the second half but solid defending prevented any further home goals and it was Dursley who came closest to scoring but Sandy Boswell was well placed on the goal-line to clear.

Bretforton, sponsored by Fairview Trading Co of Honeybourne, are in Bristol on Saturday to play Portishead Firebrands II (12.30pm), while the seconds play host to Cheltenham at the High School (9.30am).

Tenbury 3, Badsey Ladies 3

AFTER the long journey to Leominster, Badsey started sluggishly and conceded a goal in the first ten minutes.

Tenbury looked dangerous on the break and went further ahead midway through the half. Badsey then started to fight back and began to put some good moves together and pulled a goal back before half-time through Karen Whelan.

In the second half, both sides played well. Tenbury went 3-1 up with another good goal. However, Badsey refused to give up and their short corner routine finally paid off when Jane Rickey scored with a fine shot.

Zoe Grantham got the equaliser as Badsey took control of the game and in the final few minutes Sharon Fish had a great chance to put Badsey ahead only to be denied by a superb save from the Tenbury keeper.

Lynn Townson was named player of the match in another solid team performance.

Badsey travel to Birmingham to take on Kings Heath on Saturday.