The first game of 2024 for Welwyn Pegasus in the Beds & Herts Women's Football League ended in disappointment.

They were beaten 4-1 away to Wheathampstead Wanderers, a result that lifted their hosts above them in the Division Three table and up to fifth.

Pegasus were slow out of the blocks and struggled to impose themselves in the opening stages, Abigail Rowark's early effort smothered by the Wanderers goalkeeper.

For the rest of the first half, they were kept away from the home goal, falling behind on seven minutes and then going further behind on the half-hour mark.

Ellie Whitfield was still winning tackles in midfield though and one Lizzie Palmer cross midway through the half was begging to be finished.

A long-range effort from Jane Jardine was also pushed away and the hosts were able to get a third before the break, and then a fourth moments after it too.

But Pegasus looked brighter after the interval and Palmer was able to pull one back after putting the keeper under pressure.

But, although they had a much stronger second half, with Jess Grizenkova particularly impressing on the left wing, the chances wouldn’t fall for them.

Focus now turns to the Chris Renshaw Cup on January 28 when Pegasus go to Premier Division Hartham United.