ROSS Juniors Women made the long trip to face Kidderminster Athletic on Sunday and produced a commanding performance to win 4-0 in testing conditions.

On a difficult pitch that made passing football a challenge, Ross started brightly and immediately imposed themselves with high intensity and strong pressing.

And 14 minutes in, a mistake in the Kidderminster defence was pounced upon as Lauren Creed’s cross was finished superbly from a tight angle by Lily Irving for 1–0.

Ross didn’t let up. Their relentless pressing continued to cause problems, and on 20 minutes, Millie Malsom forced the goalkeeper into a hurried clearance that fell to Shannon Parton, who struck a magnificent 30-yard lob into the back of the net for 2–0

In midfield, Hollie Mace began to dictate the tempo with her composure and range of passing, keeping Juniors firmly in control.

Changes before the break saw Jess Rumsey, Ella Jones and debutant Lucy Minikin enter the game, all making an immediate impact.

And just before the break, goalkeeper Ruby Wood launched a long ball forward for Jones to cross, causing confusion between defender and keeper and allowing Malsom to swivel and shoot to make it 3-0 at half-time.

Five minutes into the second period, Macy Walker read a short pass brilliantly and surged forward, beating her marker before delivering a perfect cross into the box.

Once again, Minikin’s clever movement created space for Irving, who swept home first time for her second to make it 4–0.

At the other end Wood produced a stunning diving save to her left, tipping the ball around the post to preserve the clean sheet.

Ross (sponsored by 21 Wellbeing, HP Scaffolding, The Hope and Anchor and Pronto's Pizza Kebab) nearly then added a fifth when Mace crashed a long-range strike off the bar, with Jones just unable to turn in the rebound.

The win leaves Juniors fourth in the Midwest Counties League, and manager Carl Roberts said: "I thought we were excellent, from the first minute to the last. It was a very mature performance from such a young side.

"We did both sides of the game really well – solid at the back and clinical in attack.”

Herefordshire Women’s League leaders Ross Juniors Ladies went to closest rivals Hereford Lads Club for a much-anticipated clash, with both holding a 100 per cent record.

But it was the visitors who came away with the points with a well-earned 3-1 victory.

Ross scored in the first minute through Anna Craig, and then doubled their lead in the 19th minute with Jess Brain forcing the ball home.

Juniors could have had extended their lead before the break but for stout defending by the hosts.

But eight minutes into the second half, Brain added her second to make it 3-0 with a great chip over the goalie from 17 yards.

To their credit, the Lads Club upped the tempo and reduced the deficit on the hour with a well taken goal.

It was now Ross (sponsored by Ross Health + Fitness, Kings Accountancy Ltd and Scaffolding 2000 Ltd) who had to defend, though on the break the pace of Ross continued to cause Lads Club some nervous moments before the final whistle.

Juniors Women host Nunnery Wood United on Sunday (October 12) while the Ladies visit Ledbury Women, kick-offs 2pm.