STAFFORD Ladies firsts returned to Staffordshire League division one action against Dudley, at Beaconside, on Saturday and emerged 4-1 winners.
Dudley got players forward quickly and when the ball was crossed into the circle they had players unmarked and were able to work it round the Stafford keeper to secure a 1-0 lead.
Undeterred, Stafford kept up the pace and quickly got back on level terms with a scrappy goal put away Rachel Humpage.
A string of penalty corners followed for Stafford but they were not able to get any decisive shots onb target.
Right on the stroke of half-time Stafford's continued pressure was rewarded with a second goal from Humpage to go 2-1 up.
The second half saw Stafford maintain their attacking play with any Dudley attacks being contained through good communication and defensive play.
Stafford's third goal arrived when Karen Madoc-Jones found Emma Clay in the circle and she slotted home.
It was Madoc-Jones who put the result beyond doubt when she got the decisive touch from a Becky Blakey free hit to make it 4-1.
The three points keeps Stafford four points clear at the top of the table and this
