HEREFORDSHIRE Schools Football Association have fielded a girls under-16 team for the first time.

But their debut performance ended in late heartbreak when a goal in the dying minutes gave visiting Worcestershire a 1-0 win at Westfields' allpay.park stadium.

There were chances for both sides in the first half when Whitecross duo Zoe Watkins and Ella Hill, Emily Arlott from John Masefield High School and Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School's Rachel Welling all went close.

Home keeper Casey Ellis produced a clutch of outstanding saves but her Worcestershire counterpart was also kept busy with some excellent stops.

Just when it seemed as if the game would end in stalemate, a long ball into the Herefordshire defence caused a mix-up and brought the decisive goal.

Herefordshire then travelled to Stafford Town to take on Staffordshire girls but, with a late start and no time for a proper warm-up, the county side were caught out by an early goal.

Herefordshire battled away with some quick passing from Watkins and Welling, but a defensive mix-up brought a second home goal just before the break.

The second half saw the sides evenly matched but a couple of late goals gave Staffordshire a decisive win.

"All the girls who played in both matches have given 100% commitment and they made history by becoming the first girls to represent Herefordshire," said team manager Kevin Griffin.

"The players' commitment in both games was fantastic and players and parents have been immense in their support."