DROITWICH Spa Ladies Firsts ended their pre-season with a 2-1 defeat to higher-ranked Bournville.
Spa started the first half brightly and had an early effort which flew passed the upright.
This appeared to have sprang Bournville into life as they forced Spa back and opened the scoring after eight minutes with a well-constructed move down the right before their attacker applied the finishing touch.
Bournville asserted further pressure as they played the ball around their defence before sending the ball out wide which gave their attackers more space but Spa stood firm.
Eventually Bournville’s pressure told as they added their second goal of the game after 30 minutes.
Spa however began to find more space on the pitch as the visitors sat back.
Midfielders Sam Wakelam and Molly Cresswell had more time on the ball to set up attacks for Louise Worrilow but the Bournville keeper saved them all.
Just before half-time Cresswell had another effort in front of goal which was again saved well by the away keeper.
Following the break, Spa’s pressure continued as Lucy Hine set up attacks from defence which saw Wakelam feed Katie Brooker see her effort cleared at the back stick.
As Spa pushed forward they were given a number of penalty corners but Hine and Claire Derby saw their efforts thwarted.
However, just past the midway point Spa reduced their arrears. Hine intercepted the ball in defence and released Wakelam who beat the high line of the Bournville defence, played a neat one-two with Warrilow, before sweeping home.
The remainder of the game was a see-saw battle where neither side could exert their superiority as the match finished 2-1.
Spa get their Worcestershire League Division Two campaign underway tomorrow (Saturday) against Kidderminster.
The Seconds travelled to Bromsgrove looknig to build on the excellent form which the new-look side showed in their previous outing at Harborne.
Caitlyn Denby made her senior debut for the Ladies and during the first half, her confidence grew as he settled into her role.
However, Bromsgrove showed their ruthless streak as they raced into a 3-0 half-time lead.
For the remainder of the game, Spa showed their tenacity despite playing with an injured member before conceding a further two goals.
Denby was voted player of the match because of her mature performance.
