Encouraging Start for Glassgirls Despite Defeat

The result was of secondary importance as manager Andy Fisher gave all of his squad the opportunity to stretch their legs on a baking afternoon on the 3G surface at Damson Parkway.

There were impressive first appearances for recent signings Meg Hadley, Niamh Murphy and Millie Rogers, whilst Development Team keeper Ashleigh Walton made her first team bow in the second half, distinguishing herself with one outstanding save in particular.

Fisher was cautiously pleased with the day’s work.

“I thought we matched them for most of the game, and in the second half we were probably the better team for lengthy spells.

“We got punished for a couple of lapses late on, and I thought the result didn’t really reflect our performance.

“But when you stand back, I expect them to be top half in their division at tier 4, and we can take a lot out of the game in that respect.”

Stour led early on through skipper Courteney Murphy, who headed home from Gee Thacker’s corner, but the home side were level within a minute as a long ball was well controlled and driven past Amie Preston.

Ruby Meeson put the Glassgirls ahead again just before the half hour, turning in Rogers’ low cross, only for Moors to level once more from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time.

An end-to-end second period saw chances at both ends – Meeson and Thacker going closest for Stour – but it looked as though Stourbridge had won it when Esme Moran won and then converted her spot kick two minutes from time, before Solihull’s late double strike turned the tables and earned the win.

Stourbridge Ladies next pre-season fixture is at home to another tier four outfit, Wem Town Ladies, at Hingleys on Sunday 25th July (2 pm kick-off).