ROSS Juniors Women fought out a nine-goal Mid West Counties thriller at Dudley on Sunday, but had to give second best losing by the odd goal 5-4.

Losing goalkeeper Ruby Wood to illness late in the morning made an already tough task harder, and despite starting brightly they found themselves 1–0 down after 10 minutes.

The response was immediate though as a fine through ball from captain Macy Walker found Darcy Baker, who slotted home the rebound after her first effort was saved.

And on 19 minutes, Ross created another excellent chance, Lily Irving’s shot saved, but Millie Malsom following up, playing a quick one-two with Baker, and finishing superbly to make it 2-1.

Dudley equalised six minutes later, but Ross regained the lead after another 10 minutes play, when a Lauren Creed corner caused chaos and Abbie Fuszard’s strike found the corner of the net.

But just before half-time, Dudley struck again to send both teams into the break level 3–3.

There was no let up after the restart as both teams went for it.

But when Ross lost Meg Boardman to a head injury and had to make a change, Dudley took advantage and scored twice in quick succession to lead 5-3, leaving Ross with a mountain to climb.

Juniors kept pushing forward though, and were rewarded on 80 minutes when a Hollie Mace corner caused problems in the Dudley defence, and Walker pulled one back.

But despite their effort and determination, Ross couldn’t find that elusive equaliser, and the hosts held on to take all three points to leapfrog their rivals to fourth.

Coach Carl Roberts said: “It wasn’t lost on us how tough this game would be today. Losing our keeper, who is a massive part of how we play, so late in the morning made the task even tougher.

“A massive thanks and appreciation must go to Megan (Boardman) and Darcy (Baker) for stepping up and helping out in goal.

“We’ll take a lot of positives from this game and know that on another day, we’d have brought the three points home.”

But Ross Ladies were high-fiving it as the Hummel Herefordshire Women’s League leaders walloped reigning champions Penybont 5-1 at home to continue their perfect start to the season.

Ross made a bright start and and scored two goals in the first nine minutes through Jess Brain and Hannah Jenkins.

And but for some incredible saves from the Penybont keeper, the game would have been over after 30 minutes, as Ross swarmed forward.

But just before half-time Anna Craig scored again for 3-0 at the break.

And Ross went on to score two more goals in the last 20 minutes, Jenkins and Craig both bagging braces, while Penybont scored a consolation.

Ross Juniors Women (sponsored by Prontos, the Hope and Anchor, 21 Wellbeing and HP Scaffolding) host Evesham United Women on Sunday afternoon (November 9), while Ross Ladies (sponsored by Kings Accountancy Ltd, Ross Health & Fitness and Scaffolding 2000 Ltd) host Westfield Ladies.