Evesham Utd Ladies 5,

Leominster Town 1

DESPITE conceding an early goal, United recovered to earn a well deserved victory against the league newcomers.

The visitors took the lead from a fourth minute corner but Sam Perry and Amy Summers forced saves from the Leominster goalkeeper before United had a let-off when a visiting striker blazed over with only goalkeeper Sonia Crow to beat.

United equalised when Becky Handy won the ball on the left to set up Perry to send a superb curling shot into the net.

They then took the lead after 32 minutes when Charlene McLoughlin fired in a trade-mark free kick from 30 yards that the keeper could only help into the net. Evesham dominated the early stages of the second half with Perry twice going close but it was strike partner Summers who was next on the scoresheet as she ran on to McLoughlin's through ball and lofted a fine shot over the keeper.

With centre back Laura Westwood comfortably mopping up any sporadic raids by the visitors, it was only a matter of time before United increased their lead and the fourth goal duly arrived 16 minutes from time.

Handy, who was having a fine game in right midfield, played a great ball through for Perry to again run on a lift another shot into the roof of the net.

The final goal came with three minutes remaining when Perry was on hand to smash the ball between the angle of post and bar to complete a deserved hat-trick.

United take a break from league action on Sunday when they entertain Malvern in the second round of the Herefordshire/Worc-estershire FA Women's Challenge Cup.

The kick off is at 2pm and extra-time and penalties will determine the winners.