UPTON LADIES 1,

STOURPORT III 0

UPTON Ladies were home for their first league game of the season, sporting a full side and a sub.

This was an asset as Vicky Lanni took a nasty hit to her hand and had to come off just before the half-time whistle.

Upton played some good hockey considering their lack of training. Bev Ingram and Rachel Barber ran tirelessly up front, creating some great one-twos and Sylvia Gillham was as solid as a rock in defence, managing to keep all Stourport's forwards at bay, which reflected in the half-time score being 0-0.

Upton got the second-half off to a great start with a lovely ball from Rachel Barber to Bev Ingram, whose first shot was parried by Stourport's keeper, but persistence paid dividends as Bev fired the ball into the back of the net.

As the first-half saw Stourport in control the roles had revered in the second-half and it was Upton who seemed to be in control, with some great play from Jo Radway on the left, laying off great balls down the wing. Rachel Staples had a good game on the right and had some good shots on goal.

Vicky Price played well at the back and goalkeeper Sue Murphy made sure the final score was a 1-0 victory for Upton.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Upton are away to Redditch, 1.30pm start, 11.45am meet at Upton sports club.