THIS Herefordshire FA Women’s Development League fixture saw previously unbeaten Hay St Mary’s defeated 2-0 by Ross Juniors.
The match was originally due to have been played on the 3G surface at Hereford Academy, where all the fixtures in this league have been hosted this season, but was transferred to one of the grass pitches at Hereford Leisure Centre.
This game saw the meeting of the top-two teams in the four-team mini league.
Hay St Mary’s were headed the table with seven points from their opening three fixtures and Ross Juniors had five points from the same number of matches.
The Saints enjoyed more than their fair share of possession in the opening 30 minute period but were unable to take advantage of that start as they were unable to finish several good opportunities created.
Hay St Mary’s midfielder Gemma Bradford did find the back of the net in the 48th minute with a marvellous 25 yard strike over the Ross Juniors goalkeeper but the goal was ruled out for an offside flag raised during a previous phase of play.
The south Herefordshire team then went down the other end of the pitch moments later and scored on the break to take the lead against the run of play.
Ross Juniors were boosted by that surprise goal and doubled their advantage 17 minutes later with a low 25 yard effort that caught out the Hay St Mary’s custodian.
The Saints pressed during the closing stages but drew their first blank of the season and saw Ross Juniors move above them at the head of the table.
The Forest Road club will look to get their title hopes back on track when they are scheduled to meet Leominster Town on Sunday, March 4 at Hereford Academy.