HEREFORDSHIRE went down 3-1 away to Stafford-shire in their opening English Schools FA Premier League Inter-County Trophy under-16 competition match at Chasetown FC.

Herefordshire created two early chances and held their own during the first half-hour but conceded two goals before the interval and a third within minutes of the restart.

James Wood reduced arrears with a superb 25-yard shot 10 minutes from time.

Herefordshire FA were pipped 2-1 at home by Leicestershire & Rutland FA in an East Midlands Youth Combination under-16 match.

Herefordshire took the lead after five minutes with an excellent goal from Cory Hyde who chipped the goalkeeper from 20 yards.

Poor defensive covering allowed Lee Millington to equalise four minutes later and he added Leicester-shire's second from a penalty at the start of the second half.

The home county responded by creating several chances, with the lively Hyde to the fore. He missed a good opportunity later in the game, however, and Herefordshire were also unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty.

Their performance deserved a draw and Hyde, Hart, Woods and Waring stood out.