BROMSGROVE Ladies Firsts cemented their position at the top of the Worcestershire Hockey League Premier Division after overcoming Stourport 3-1.
Two goals from Lily Alsop and one from Tricky Burton ensured Bromsgrove came out on top in the clash between first versus second, while also extending their 100 per cent winning record to 11 games.
Both teams have been impressive all season but it was Bromsgrove who got off the mark first in this titanic clash.
After Stacey Nash’s initial show was well saved by the Stourport keeper, the loose ball fell to Alsop who calmly slotted home.
However, Stourport responded quickly and soon drew level with a clever penalty corner routine.
Stourpot continued to pile on the pressure as they looked to take the advantage but Bromsgrove’s defence of Emma Cockbain, Katy Masters and Kirsty Gormley stood firm to keep the score at 1-1 going into the break.
After the half time oranges, Bromsgrove gradually took control and dominate the proceedings.
The pace of Sophie Douglas terrorised the Stourport defence and it quickly led to Bromsgrove’s second goal of the afternoon.
Following a penalty corner, Burton fed the ball into the path of Heather Hunnerley before the ball broke to Alsop who finished with aplomb.
Bromsgrove keeper Ali Powell denied Stourport from levelling the tie with two fine saves in quick succession.
After weathering the Stourport storm, Bromsgrove killed the game off with the third goal 15 minutes from time.
Hancock gained possession in the middle before sending a inch-perfect throughball to Underhill who then found Burton in the Stourport goal area.
Burton went round her first defender and sent the Stourport keeper packing with a dummy enabling her to fire home a fabulous cross shot.
Bromsgrove remained solid for the final embers of the game to close out a 3-1 victory.
Bromsgrove coach Alan Gormley said: “This was an epic battle between two very strong sides.
“Both sets of players set a very high standard in appalling conditions and were a credit to their respective clubs.
“Our girls had to dig really deep today, worked very hard for each other and converted the chances that they created very well.”
