HOLDERS Westfields made a successful start to their defence of the Hereford Times Here-fordshire League Strong-bow Cup with a narrow 1-0 away win over Lads Club after making the short trip across Wide-marsh Common.

The only goal came from Richard Daw on the stroke of half time.

In the first half, the young home side, with James Cutler on debut combining well with Chris Gundy to form a solid heart to their defence, prevented the holders from creating too many chances. Daw, who frequently caught the eye, broke the deadlock when he headed home from a Paul Jones free-kick.

The second half was more open as the home team chased an equaliser, their best chance, a Luke Darlington volley, being well saved by the keeper.

With Dave Howes, returning to action from injury, probing away, Westfields threatened to extend their lead. Matthew Ferriday struck the woodwork with their best effort.

A hat-trick from Ben Apperley on his return from injury helped last season's beaten finalists Woofferton through to the second round with a 6-3 home win over Bromyard Town Res-erves.

After a stuttering spell following an excellent start to the season, a reshuffled home side started with urgency. Richard Wozencroft met a Dave Chadd corner to put them in front after 10 minutes and they built on this good start to lead 5-0 at the interval.

Apperley helped himself to three with some dazzling finishing and Wozencroft added the other.

Bromyard reduced the deficit in the early stages of the second half, but any thought of a recovery diminished when Apperley confirmed his man-of-the-match credentials by playing Stuart Millichamp through for a goal straight from the restart.

The visitors kept plugging away and added some respectability to the final score with two late goals.

Ewyas Harold booked their passage into the next round with a comfortable 6-1 away win over Fownhope, with Matt Pitt and Mark Cooper each scoring twice.

Pitt opened the scoring after 18 minutes when he beat his marker before firing across the visiting keeper.

Fownhope were soon back on level terms, Matt Wargen running through the Harold defence to beat keeper Bobby Smith.

Cooper started and finished a movement to put the hosts back in front moments later. He fired home the rebound after the Fownhope keeper had blocked Pitt's shot.

After the break Tommy Taylor made it 3-1 when he drilled the ball home following a goalmouth scramble.

Fownhope threatened to pull a goal back but Sean Thompson's shot was saved by Smith and then Pitt grabbed his second to put clear daylight between the sides.

Cooper scored the fifth, reacting quickest when Robbie Gore's shot came back off a defender.

Gore atoned for an earlier penalty miss when he fired in the final goal from 30 yards after more good work by Pitt.

Pegasus ran out easy winners in their tie at Weston, returning home with a 6-1 triumph.

More reports: Sports Times 4.