HEREFORD beat off the challenge of their second-string 1-0 in a tough battle in the West Clubs' Women's League Severn Division 1 but could count themselves fortunate to come away with all three points.

Simone Quinn in the first-team goal was the busier of the two goalkeepers and, with Rachel Wreyford playing well at sweeper, the second team's defence generally had the better of the first-team attack.

After a goalless first period, the first team's passing skills gradually came to the fore with Clare Pritchard and Clare Griffiths combining well in midfield.

The higher-ranked side forced a number of short corners and, from one of these, a Griffiths strike was saved by Mel Bryans in the second-team goal and Di Feely drove the ball into the corner of the net.

Second-team skipper Dwyn Jones drove her team on in search of an equaliser but, thanks to some fine saves by Quinn and some brave defending by their back line, in which Sue Moody excelled, the first-team held on.

Leominster produced a brave performance at home to Newent before going down 2-1 to the divisional leaders.

Colwall picked up a useful North Division point when they travelled to Bristol-based Jaspers and returned with a 1-1 draw.

Colwall had to soak up plenty of pressure in the first period but the defensive combination of Colleen Rogers, Lucy Halligan, Laura Entwistle, Mandy Gowland and goalkeeper Carole Ward, with good support from midfielders Sam Shail and Marie Fowler, prevented a breakthrough.

After the interval, Jaspers went ahead but this only served to inspire Colwall who went on to produce their best moves of the match.

Eventually, a shot from Gemma Richards was stopped by a defender's foot and skipper Coral Handley placed her powerful penalty flick out of reach of the home goalkeeper to earn the point.

After winning their first four matches in Severn 2, Ross slipped to their second consecutive defeat when they went down 3-1 to divisional leaders St Gregory's.

Ross enjoyed plenty of early pressure and forced a string of short corners in the early stages.

But, unfortunately for the home side, St Gregory's profited from a defensive mistake to lead by a single goal at the interval.

Midway through the second period, Lorraine Stephens got away on the right and her cross was tapped in by Sharon Finch to level the scores.

But, instead of continuing their improvement, Ross then went to pieces and St Gregory's scored twice from short corners to move to the top of the table.