ROSS Juniors Ladies played their first competitive football match last Friday.

The team have trained just five times and were keen to play a match and wear their new kit, sponsored by Berry Game Birds.

However, there are only two other female sides in Herefordshire – Bartestree and Lads Club – so finding the right opposition for the new team proved tricky.

Fortunately, Dave Johnson's Under-16 Ross Juniors' girls team, who play in the Gloucestershire Girls League, stepped forward.

The game attracted quite a bit of interest locally, with more than 60 spectators turning up at John Kyrle High School to watch the match.

The Under-16s proved to be strong opponents and took an early lead before sealing the game with another goal after the break.

Ross Ladies manager Paul Flitney said his team were thrilled with the result and are keen for a rematch.

"Minnie Hodges, when called on in goal, made some great saves and some of the more experienced Ross players, like Danie Ward, Rosie Davenport and Nicola Wall caused the under-16 defence problems all game," said Flitney.

"Half the current team have played plenty of women's and girls' football previously, for many of the others it was their first ever competitive game of football.

"A couple of players have been to have as many team socials as training sessions, which clearly illustrates the teams ethos is about having fun, getting fit and socialising.

"Following the game, the club received messages of congratulations form Loren Dyke of Bristol Academy Ladies and the Herefordshire Football Association, who through Jodie Williams, have been supporting the club."

The team train every two weeks on a Friday between 6pm and 7.30pm at John Kyrle High School.

The next session will be on Friday, February 5, with the ladies' next game taking place the following Friday against Welland.

All new players are welcome to train with the club, with no previous experience necessary.