WATFORD Ladies made the trip to Redditch on Sunday (28 September) to take on a City side enjoying a bright start to the season despite the arrival of a new management team and the loss of the two key, influential players to Arsenal.

Birmingham edged the game with a 3-2 score-line and were worthy winners, despite the winning goal arriving in added time.

The home side started brightly and could have been out of sight by half-time but Marie Hourihan rescued Watford saving three shots from one-on-one situations, when the City striker had gone clear of Watford's back-line.

Hourihan was finally beaten just after the half-hour mark when a move down the Birmingham right brought a cross into the box which finally arrived with the City midfielder, who turned sharply before shooting into the far corner.

Despite Birmingham having the best and clearest chances, Watford showed their mettle and Ashlee Hincks hit the post and Helen Lander had a shot well saved by the home 'keeper.  

The second half saw Watford playing down the slope and almost immediately they equalised - the Birmingham defence was caught napping by Emma Thomas' long ball and Lander smashed a volley over the advancing 'keeper.

It was a fantastic strike and it demonstrated that she has few peers in finishing such opportunities. However the home side again led when their striker shot home midway through the half. Watford rallied again and this time Mikaela Howell equalised following another long ball into the heart of the home defence with her right-foot shot bouncing over the line, despite a strong hand from the home 'keeper.

Both sides sought to win the game but fortune favoured the home side on this occasion as a speculative hooked lob-shot gave Hourihan no chance as it arched over her into the corner of the net in the second minute of added-on time.

Watford deserve credit for the resilience and failure to capitulate but Birmingham deserved the plaudits for their measured, skilful football and willingness to work together as a solid unit. This was another blow to Watford's hopes of a top-five finish but there is no doubt the squad has the quality and experience to turn these games into wins! 

LET WATFORD BE THE PERFECT HOST