East Gloucester 2, Bretforton Ladies 2

BRETFORTON made a promising start with Sophie Corbett, Lisa Workman and player of the match Deb Slatter combining well in midfield.

Neat passing play penetrated the East Glos defence on several occasions but shots on goal were scarce.

Bobbie Handley, Jane Wheeler, Blanche Surman and Sara Cooke had their work cut out in defence as some good long balls from the home midfield kept picking out their forwards.

Julie Hall did a great marking job on one of the Cheltenham side's key players but the deadlock was broken ten minutes before when the hosts finally found the net.

Perseverance paid off after the break and Sara Hall made a fine run down the right and, despite being on her open stick side, she switched the ball on to her favoured reverse stick and slipped the ball passed a flailing goalkeeper to bring Bretforton level.

However, an error at the back saw East Glos regain the lead and the high pace of the match started to tell on players on both sides.

The game opened up and the visitors kept forcing the attacking play. Michaela Amphlett made a surging forward run before to Andrea Cole whose shot deflected off a defender's stick and flew high into the back of the net.

Bretforton are at home to Lydney on Saturday and then entertain Northampton Lions 24 hours later in the first round of the English Women's Trophy.

Last weekend's match ball was sponsored by Jane Wheeler.

Bretforton Ladies II 2,

Hereford 1

BRETFORTON took time to get into their stride last Saturday and the opening 15 minutes saw Hereford pile on the pressure although direct strikes on goal were scarce.

As the match became more evenly balanced both sides had opportunities from attacks in the D and short corners but neither managed to gain the advantage.

The new combination of Sarah Bragg on the left wing picking up balls from the defence and feeding through to forward Kate Williams was working well.

Player of the match Kim Barry also showed her strength on the opposite flank with her first play of the match showing great skill and determination in navigating around several opponents to pass on to key forward Sue Sheppard.

Hereford had the best chance in the first half when three players managed to break from halfway but goalkeeper Fiona Lov-ecy saved spectacularly with a sliding tackle.

The second half saw Bretforton in the ascendancy but Jude Edghill came to her side's rescue on the goalline after Lovecy was beaten.

The deadlock was finally broken midway through the second half when Ceri Barber cleverly passed the ball on to player of the match Barry who pushed it past the keeper.

Hereford hit back with some good runs and a strong strike from the left flew past the diving Lovecy.

Bretforton, though, made a last push for a winner but were indebted to more god work from Lovecy before Sheppard's sharp first time strike clinched victory with five minutes remaining.

The match ball was sponsored by Cotswold Walls, Trees and Fences Ltd.

The ladies visit Cirence-ster on Saturday.