Early strikes a boost as ladies cling to lead (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Early strikes a boost as ladies cling to lead

Evesham Utd Ladies 5, Kidderminster Harriers 4

UNITED made a terrific start to Sunday's league game and found themselves three goals to the good inside the first quarter-of-an-hour.

A slick move involving Nicky Bond and Tori Southern allowed the latter to square the ball across goal where Charlotte Benson-Wilson was on hand to prod the ball home.

A long clearance from Lola Hughes then fell for Southern who outpaced the defence before placing her shot past the goalkeeper.

It was 3-0 after 14 minutes when Southern again ran clear of the rearguard to score with another cool finish.

It came as a surprise when Harriers pulled a goal back in their first real attack but United regained control and both Southern and Bond forced fine saves from the visiting goalkeeper.

Laura Westwood saved the home side when she was perfectly placed to clear off the line and six minutes before the break Southern produced another fine run to calmly slot home and complete a well deserved hat-trick.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Kidderminster began to have more of the play and pulled a goal back after a defensive error.

Evesham, though, restored their three-goal advantage when Bond beat the offside trap to run on and finish superbly with a perfect lob.

Harriers reduced the arrears 20 minutes from time and then set up a nervy finish by scoring a fourth a minute from time.

Evesham maintained their composure to hold out during five minutes of stoppage time to secure their second win of the season.

The Common Roaders are still looking for additional players and anyone interested is invited to attend training at the ground from 7pm on Wednesdays.

The ladies are at home again on Sunday when they entertain Droitwich (2pm).