STAFFORD Ladies HC firsts go into Saturday’s big early season clash at home to Wolves and Tettenhall in pole position.
The new division one pacesetters made it four successive wins this season with a narrow 1-0 victory over local rivals Cannock this week.
It was a very positive team performance by Stafford, who started at a quick pace, searching for an opening.
As the half progressed it was Stafford’s work off the ball, hassling the Cannock players and working in pairs to regain possession, that gave them the advantage.
However, the finishing touch was missing and the score remained goalless at the interval.
After the break, Stafford continued to dominate the midfield thanks to excellent performances from young Helen Skilton in the centre and player of the match, Amy Sharman on the left.
The deadlock was finally broken when a quick passing move down the left was finished off when Emma Clay swept the ball home.
Cannock had plenty of penalty corners in the later stages, but calm play from Fiona Riley helped the Stafford defence keep a cleansheet.
In the same section, Stafford seconds moved up to sixth spot after drawing 1-1 with Leek seconds. Charlotte May got the telling touch to earn Stafford the draw.
