GENIE Ward grabbed the winner five minutes from time as Worcester City Women defeated Ferndale 1-0.

Ward struck the decisive blow to hand Paul Hennessey’s side their third win in five West Midlands Division One South matches and keep them unbeaten in second spot.

It was the first defeat for Ferndale and City captain Vicky Andrews was delighted with the success.

“It was a great win,” she said. “A few Ferndale players play for the University of Worcester side, as do Genie and Frankie Hocking for us, and Paul Hennessey manages them. Genie was over the moon to get the goal.

“We have had to play Dudley, Ferndale and Fairfield in our first few games and all three will be up there challenging for the league. All the other teams haven’t played them yet.”

City now have a break from the league as they host Headless Cross in the county cup at Bilford Road on Sunday (2pm).

Meanwhile, Fiona Williams scored her third hat-trick in four games as the reserves recorded an emphatic 6-0 victory over Malvern Town.

Williams headed in to give City the lead before Amy Band doubled the advantage.

Williams made it three at half-time and Rachael Fanthorpe beat two Malvern players to add the fourth.

Late goals from Williams and Hannah Pace rounded off a fine team performance.

The reserves host Mostyn Rangers at Perdiswell Leisure Centre on Sunday (2pm).