Cup misery follows sorry start in league (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Cup misery follows sorry start in league

Stratford Tn Ladies 2,

Leicester City 7

OUTPLAYED by Sunday's Women's FA Cup opponents, Town were sentenced to yet more misery in what has been a dreadful start to the new season.

Their only success so far has been a 5-0 win at Dudley United in the same competition, while their two league matches have both resulted in defeats - 3-1 at Stoke and 7-2 at West Bromwich Albion.

Their latest outing met with the same scoreline as a well- organised City side found the holes in both midfield and defence in the early exchanges.

The visitors made a shooting opportunity after just five minutes but the effort was dragged wide but that served as a warning to the Masons Road girls who soon fell behind.

A good cross from Lisa Bright opened up the Leicester defence and Melissa Ball's low and accurate shot beat the diving keeper to bring the scores level.

The hosts were dealt a severe blow midway through the half when central defender Sarah Warrington came off second best after a crunching tackle and had to be substituted with suspected knee ligament damage.

City took advantage of uncertainty at the back with three goals in the next 15 minutes and another just before half-time left the home side despondent and needing a lift at the start of the second half.

Despite a number of good passing moves going forward, Stratford fell further behind but they kept on pushing forward were rewarded with a second goal.

The remainder of the tie was closely fought with Stratford defending well and creating chances at the other end.

However, Leicester had the final say with a seventh goal when an attacker, seemingly in an offside position, to complete the scoring.

Injuries have left Stratford short of players and, still without a manager, they face tough times ahead. If any one fancies taking on the job they should contact the club on 01789 297479.