Glassgirls Battle to Narrow Win

The Glassgirls were indebted to a wonderful strike from the left boot of Ellie McGovern (pictured celebrating with Meg Hadley) on the stroke of half time against a much-improved Crusaders team from the previous League Cup meeting in January.

"We made hard work of it," said manager Andy Fisher after the match, "but that's the sort of match that can end up winning you a Championship. Crusaders are always tough opposition, and it was obvious they felt they had a point to prove after the League Cup game. There was no way we were going to score another nine!"

"I'm really pleased for Ellie. She doesn't always grab the headlines, but she's been very consistent for us and she always does the job we ask of her. It was a fantastic goal, good enough to settle any game."

After a scrappy start it was Ruby Meeson who had the first sight of goal, a defensive error allowing her an opening that was well blocked by the visiting keeper, and almost immediately, Millie Rogers forced another save at the near post with a stinging drive.

Esme Moran shot wide after a patient build-up from the Glassgirls, but the visitors were doing well to restrict Stour's chances, and threatened now and then on the break with a couple of half-hit efforts that failed to trouble Amie Preston, although there was a worrying moment for Stour as Sophie Heaselgrave hobbled off after sustaining a foot injury in closing down a shot on goal.

Alex Nicklin hooked a shot only just wide from a Carly Aldred free kick five minutes before the break, but it looked like Stour were going to go in all square until three minutes into added time when Rogers laid the ball off square for McGOVERN to take aim from 20 yards with the sweetest of shots which sailed into the top corner.

Crusaders had the first effort on goal after the interval, as a shot from 15 yards was comfortable for Preston, and Stour continued to find it difficult to create clear chances until Aldred found space but could only roll her shot across the six-yard box.

There was another minor scare as, from one of a number of threatening corners, a header was looped not far over Preston's crossbar, whilst Cheryl Edwards came close to calming the nerves as she beat a defender in the box before clipping a shot narrowly wide in what proved to be the final chance of any note.

There was a slightly worrying end to the game as Moran went down with a neck injury after an innocuous challenge, but after treatment at the scene from paramedics it was thankfully not as bad as had initially been feared.

Photo: Anthony Dunn

STOURBRIDGE LINE-UP

Amie Preston, Jess Bate, Sophie Heaselgrave, Louisa Butcher, Meg Hadley, Ellie McGovern, Esme Moran, Alex Nicklin, Ruby Meeson, Carly Aldred. Millie Rogers.

SUBSTITUTES (all used)

Gee Thacker, Macey Turvey, Hannah Fishwick, Connie Dutton, Cheryl Edwards.