UPTON Ladies took the initiative early on in this 'away' fixture at Malvern Girls' College.

PERSHORE 0, UPTON 5

Sally Loynes opened the scoring shortly after the start with a driving run into the D and a fierce shot to put Upton into the lead.

Upton then took control of the game, Vikki Atkinson's powerful play set up a chance for Rachel Barber whose shot was saved by the keeper, but the ball fell to Bev Ingram to score making it 2-0.

Pershore struggled to put the Upton defence under pressure, and when Pershore tried to attack the Upton defence of Martha Recordon, Jacky Farley and Jenny Parkes ensured the attack was snuffed out.

Vikki Atkinson set up Upton's third with an accurate pass to Charlotte Underwood at the top of the D who hit a finely struck shot.

With the Pershore keeper under constant pressure Rachel Barber scored Upton's fourth to make it 4 - 0 at half time.

Upton again having the luxury of substitutes were able to bring on Janet Goodier and Anita Sherwood at half time. Vanessa Dawe was able to move from the back into her more accustomed position of left wing, supported by Trudy Warner in left midfield put in some accurate passes to the Upton forwards.

The tireless Laura Smith in midfield playing attractive hockey put together a fine sequence of passes with Martha Recordon and Janet Goodier making it difficult for Pershore to regain possession.

Despite a number of short corners Pershore were unable to penetrate the Upton defence Sue Murphy in goal having little to worry about.

Upton had to be patient waiting for their final goal, a bullet of a shot from Vikki Atkinson being met by the Pershore keeper, however Bev Ingram was at hand with a deft touch to put the ball over the keeper into the top of the net, giving Upton a convincing win.

Player of the match - Jacky Farley.