HEREFORD Pegasus Ladies came away with the spoils as the Midwest Counties League returned following a three-week break for the festive season.

Fans were treated to a Herefordshire derby to kick-off 2023 in style with the hosts coming away with a 5-1 victory over league newcomers Ross Juniors.

The home team broke the deadlock after 15 minutes when Amy Bradley was picked out in space before driving towards the penalty area and guided the ball past the Ross Juniors goalkeeper.

The biggest opponent that both teams had to deal with during the closing stages of opening half was the driving rain that swept across the pitch from the south-west before the half-time whistle of referee Mark Ammonds sounded.

Pegasus doubled their lead four minutes before the break when captain Emily Morgan netted from 20 yard free-kick after a foul on Molly Powis.

Ross Juniors proved to be difficult opponents to break down for their local rivals until Pegasus netted three times in the final quarter of the derby.

Sarah Bishop netted from Heather Martin's 71st minute corner before Morgan headed in her second of the afternoon from a teasing Livvy Jenkins free-kick.

Morgan had a chance to improve her tally in the 83rd minute before unselfishly squaring the ball for the onrushing Martin to convert at the far post.

Ross Juniors netted a deserved consolation goal for their efforts four minutes later but it was their hosts who started the new year on a winning note.