SARAH Cavendish ensured Stourport Ladies ended the first half of their season in the National Conference North with a handy point after they drew 1-1 at Lougborough Students.

After 11 matches, Stourport head into the winter break in fifth place and boasting 18 points.

This has been the team’s best season since winning promotion to the National League two years ago.

With only one place and one point between the two sides at the push back, it was the hosts who made the better start.

A mix-up in the Stourport defence gifted Loughborough the opening goal after only three minutes.

But the visitors showed great spirit as they dominated possession for the majority of the half but could not find an equaliser.

But the Wyre Forest side made it 1-1 in the second period after mix of misses and good goalkeeping had kept them at bay.

Cavendish capped a fine performance by converting a short corner 10 minutes into the half.

Stourport had to weather heavy pressure from the hosts, who missed a good chance to win the game.

The seconds edged out Beeston thirds 1-0 in the Midlands Division Two.

Keeper Sally Smith was the hero with a slew of second-half saves and Charlotte Lechmere bagged the winner.

In Worcestershire Division Two, the fourths lost 4-1 at Harborne, while the fifths’ game against Redditch was called off after their rivals could not field a team.

Rosie Connolly scorred twice as Stourport sixths got the better of Worcester fifths 5-1.