SATURDAY'S last friendly for the ladies senior side against old rivals Worcester Norton, who are now in the league above and pushing for promotion, was therefore important ahead of a return to league action.

The game started at great pace and Stratford took the game to Worcester Norton from the opening pass.

Stratford looked confident in possession and creative and when the opposition had the ball they were instantly put under pressure and the ball quickly won back.

Many chances were made but no-one could get the final touch to score. The best of the first half fell to Sarah Charlton who collected an incisive through ball to leave her free in the D, she was tripped from behind but this was not penalised.

Despite all the pressure Stratford failed to score and then gave the ball away cheaply. The visitors made a lightning break through Stratford's defence and scored.

Stratford continued to pressurise the Worcester goal but it was Naomi Ellis at the opposite end who made some excellent diving saves but she couldn't prevent Worcester adding to their lead.

They then put Stratford under pressure for ten minutes and player of the match Ellis made a few flamboyant saves and Sandra Leary cleared off the line.

Stratford, though, came back into the game but Worcester scored two more goals from short corners.

Stratford continued to battle hard and were rewarded by a goal from Blayney, turned in from a strike at a short corner.

The second string gained some much needed match practice against strong opponents in East Glos before the resumption of league hockey.

They were disappointed by the final result which owed more to lapses of concentration than to a superior opposition.

For most of the first half the home side stuck to their match plan of quick tackling and accurate passing and the chosen formation.

Andy Nicholls, supported by strike partners Kate Kibblewhite and Vicky Seymour put Stratford in front after 15 minutes.

Thereafter, solid defence play organised by Lynne Helliker and some inspired saves by Michaela Margreaves reduced any clear cut goal scoring opportunities.

However, the visitors capitalised on the greater space given to them in the second half and, after the equaliser, the home side's play became less effective.

Having gained the initiative East Glos won many penalty corners but there three late goals came from open play to give an end result that didn't reflect Stratford's overall performance.

Check up on club events, match reports or fixtures on the website: www.stratfordhockey.fsnet.co.uk

Saturday selections

Stratford Ladies v Aldridge II away, meet 11.30am for 1.30pm pushback. N Ellis, W Richards, K Watson, N Gray S Leary, S Charlton, R Kent, L Peacock, K Heritage, C Taylor, C Hassall, H Finnis.

Stratford II v Sutton II away. Marg-reaves, Helliker, Townsend, Coleman, Willes, Gilbert, Giddings, Nicholls, Logan, Seymour, Swift, Kibblewhite.

Stratford III v Warwick II at home, meet 1pm for 2pm start. Temperley, Harvey, Martin, Martin, Brennan, Robbins, Curral, Price, Cox, Gartside, Burdett, Davies, Davies.

Stratford IV v Sutton III at home, meet 2.45pm for 3.30 start. Grainger, Dudley, Finlyson, Pearce, Matts, Cox, Cole, Outhwaite, Ramskill, Lee, Green, Gilbert.