Headless Cross Ladies 1, Stratford 2

Headless Cross Ladies played host to second-placed Stratford in a re-arranged fixture with Cross looking to get a result following their 4-0 beating a fortnight ago.

Cross started in confident form and Vicky Gardiner had an early shot saved.

The hosts took the lead after 10 minutes when Jade Craddock collected the ball, laid it back to Allison Wayley for her to hit a looping ball over the defence which Heidi Rowan headed down into the path of midfielder Becky Ankcorn who calmly chipped home.

Stratford started to pile on the pressure but were denied by good goalkeeping from Laura Randall and defending by Elaine Frampton, player of match Sharon Porter, Lisa Paronuzzi and Lucie Staniland.

Stratford hit the bar twice after the break but Cross could have increased their lead from a Frampton corner which panicked the Stratford team but somehow they managed to clear their lines.

Cross were hit by a killer blow a minute from time from a Stratford corner.

"The girls played their hearts out today," said manager Mandy Hill, "the performance was outstanding by every single player whether on the pitch or not. We worried Stratford for most of the game."

Headless Cross visit leaders West Brom next week.