Welwyn Pegasus were given a glimpse into what is needed to get promoted in Beds & Herts Women's League after a defeat against Division Three leaders Bury Rangers.

They went down 5-0  away at Richard Hale School with a depleted side, to slip down to fourth.

They started well enough and despite being pinned back into their own half for the opening 30 minutes, they defended stoutly to ensure the hosts couldn’t break the deadlock. 

New goalkeeper Sophie Huckle proved equal to Bury’s attacks and was a reassuring presence between the sticks, comfortably catching several of the host’s long-distance efforts.

Lucy and Rosa Spear were putting in good tackles in the midfield and on 25 minutes the ball broke forward for striker Lizzie Palmer.

She drove down the wing but her near-post strike was collected by the Bury keeper.

Minutes later at the other end, Pegasus were grateful to defender Jasmine Johnson who put in a vital last-ditch clearance on the line after the ball evaded everyone in the Welwyn box.

Huckle made another great save with time ticking down but Bury were still able to fashion one more shot, and an unstoppable effort on the stroke of half-time gave them the lead.

Bury were straight out of the blocks in the second half and immediately doubled their advantage.

Louise Iqbal was having another impressive game in defence but Pegasus, impacted by illness and injury, struggled to create chances and succumbed late on.

Welwyn will face Division Two EB Lions in the League Cup on Sunday.

Hatfield United's senior men fell to another defeat in Division One of the Herts Senior County League, their fifth of the season.

They went 3-0 at home to Evergreen to sit eighth.

Their U15s, however, are having a better year and cemented their position at the top of Beds Youth Division Two with a 7-1 win over Barton Rovers.

Rovers could have taken the lead after just 30 seconds but the shot went over the top and from there, Hatfield settled in to their groove.

A neat move on the five minute mark saw Harry make no mistake when through on goal and 10 minutes later it was 2-0, Henry with a long range effort.

The third goal came from the penalty spot, Harry scoring his second after Danny was fouled, as did the fourth.

Danny was again the man fouled but this time he took it, scoring at the second attempt after the first had been ruled out for encroachment.

Barton did get a goal back before the break but the second period saw Hatfield continue to dominate.

Harry got his hat-trick before Mikey got the final two, both with calm and composed finishes.