STOURPORT ladies 1st XI, remain unbeaten and top of the Investec Conference West League after they beat hosts Bristol Firebrands last weekend 5-0.

Stourport, travelled to Firebrands under pressure to continue their excellent start to the season. But, despite a strong start the visitors were unable to find the back of the goals, until Claire Pearson, scored her fifth of the season in the 29th minute of the match.

Despite the half time lead Stourport were determined to capitalise on their possession, however, Firebrands came out aggressively from the break, but Stourport were able to dismiss their advances.

The visitors quickly capitalised on the space provided in attack, and scored their second through Chole Marshall-Walker, in the 40th minute, then five minutes later a penalty corner fell to captain Katie Miller, to convert. S tourport were still applying pressure, and second penalty corner, fell to Hannah Corcoran to convert in the 60th minute.

Stourport weren't finished and a last minute goal by Stourport's player of the match, Lora Symonds, sealed the 5-0 victory and their place at the top of league.

After their win against Firebrands on Saturday, Stourport ladies 1st XI, travelled to take on Birmingham University 1st XI, in the cup, on the Sunday, and made it through to the next round, having beaten their hosts 2-1.

After the win the previous day Stourport were buoyant but excited mood for the challenge of playing Premier league side Birmingham University, away at Bournbrook.

Stourport began the match at pace and found themselves in Birmingham's circle, a number of times, but were unable to convert any of their opportunities.

The home side fought back and scored two quick goals early in the first half. However, Stourport remained undaunted, and regained the momentum, creating further chances in front of the Birmingham goal.

With nothing to lose, Stourport employed a change of formation, in the second half, allowing them a more attacking option.

This proved to be a successful course of action for Stourport, creating pressure on the home side who struggled to secure possession out of their defensive half.

Despite, this pressure, and a number of close calls Stourport were still unable to score, and with five minutes to go desperate measures were called for as, Stourport goalkeeper Sophie Wood was taken off to create one last push to score.

This tactic proved to be successful, when Lauern Shilvock scored in the 66th minute, this put Stourport on a high, and the visitors continued to apply pressure, and in the final minute were awarded a short corner.

Birmingham defended the ball hard but the shot was deflected off a Birmingham foot for another short corner.

Stourport got a shot on goal, only for it to be kept out by the keeper, however an exceptional pick from Claire Pearson, allowed the ball to be scrambled in front of the Birmingham goal, where Sarah Parkinson-Mills calmly scored the equaliser on the final play of the game to earn a draw and take the game to penalty strokes.

Stourport won the toss and decided to go 1st, with Lora Symonds taking the first stroke, calmly slotting it in. Birmingham equalised but Sarah Parkinson-Mills, scored Stourport's 2nd, only for home side to miss their's (second).

Stourport's keeper, Wood, followed this up with three saves as, Stourport's player of the match, Heidi Devey, Sarah Cavendish, on her return from injury slotted home penalties 3 and 4, to take the game on strokes.

Stourport will find out their next round opposition in the draw that place this week, ready for Sunday November 6.