THE absence of key players cost Worcester Women's Firsts as they slumped 6-2 to title-chasing Loughborough Students Seconds in the Midlands Premier Division.

Despite attempts to defend in numbers, Worcester were unable to cope with slick passing and allowed the visitors three goals before half-time.

Loughborough took an early advantage in the second-half and added a penalty flick to make it 5-0. But Worcester rallied and netted a well-taken goal by Vicky Kovacs.

More chances followed and Emmie Le Marchand scored the second from close range only for Loughborough to seal victory with a late strike.

The thirds fought out a keenly-contested 0-0 draw with Redditch Seconds. Both sides had chances to score but the defences held well. Charlie Angell was a constant threat with her speed on the right wing, while Jess Miekle shone in midfield.

Due to half-term commitments, Worcester Badgers Potters lent Evesham three players for a 2-2 draw.

One of them, Tim Young, put Evesham ahead but newcomer Alex Swan equalised and Luke Owen put Worcester ahead.

Evesham missed a string of chances and were also denied by good defending from Ben Pedrick before finally levelling again.