Leominster 1, Evesham Utd Ladies 1

ON A bumpy pitch Sunday's visitors were a goal up inside the first minute but found themselves hanging on at the end after injuries reduced them to nine players.

Sam Perry shot wide from the opening Evesham attack but the goal kick the ball reached Nicky Bond who cut in from the left and her cross was turned home at the near post by a retreating defender.

Playing her first game of the season, Bond caused early problems and a 16th minute cross was met by a firm header from Sam Perry that flew just the wrong side of a post.

With the lively strike partnership of Bond and Perry working well together and prompted from midfield by Lola Hughes and impressive debutant Lesley Smith, United were looking to build a healthy lead with the wind at their backs.

However, due to a lack of finishing quality and good goalkeeping, the Common Roaders had to settle for their solitary goal advantage at half-time.

Their worst fears were realised just three minutes after the restart when Leominster drew level with almost a carbon-copy of United's effort.

Two minutes later United were close to regaining the lead when Perry set up Bond to fire in a shot that was turned past a post.

The game degenerated into a tedious affair with neither side seemingly able to create a worthwhile chance.

Dangerous challenges put both Bond and Hughes out of the game and left the visitors desperately hanging on for the final five minutes.

United return to Common Road on Sunday when they entertain Burlish Olympic in the quarter-final of the Kidderminster Hospital Cup (2pm).