MILLIE Malsom fired another hat-trick for Ross Juniors Women in a 6-2 win away to Hereford Pegasus Development, that takes them level on points in a three-way tie at the top of the Mid West Counties League.

In their fourth away trip in a row, Juniors travelled with the bare 11 and no subs due to losing two players overnight and injuries.

But a blocked shot fell to Lauren Creed to fire them in front on 10 minutes, before Malsom opened her account two minutes later, turning her defender from a Cara Wright assist and firing low into the net.

A Pegasus long ball over the top then spelt danger before a last-ditch Keira Brain tackle brought keeper Ruby Wood time to save well, and the goalie soon had to be alert again after a high looping cross.

But on 26 minutes, Ross hit Pegasus on the counter as Creed drove at the Pegasus fullback before cutting the ball back to Malsom who finished well for a 3-0 half-time lead.

Pegasus hit back for 3-1 four minutes after the restart, but on 55 minutes Macy Walker quickened the play and sent Malsom in behind to finish well for her hat-trick and 4-1.

Millie Malsom fired a hat-trick for Ross Juniors Women. Photo: Ross Juniors FC
Millie Malsom fired a hat-trick for Ross Juniors Women. Photo: Ross Juniors FC (Ross Juniors FC)

With no subs, Ross began tiring and Pegasus pulled another back with just over quarter of an hour to play.

But Juniors rolled their sleeves up, and got their fifth on 79 minutes when Creed beat the fullback and played in Lily Irving who smashed home for 5-2.

The result was then sealed four minutes from time when a clearance from the Pegasus keeper fell to Holly Thomas whose touch and finish was first class.

The win lifted Juniors – sponsored by 21Wellbeing, HP Scaffolding Ltd, Pronto’s Pizza Kebab and The Hope and Anchor – level on points at the top with Hereford FC and Redditch outfit Kingfisher.

And next up for Ross, who will hope to have some reinforcements back, is a clash with Hereford at Edgar Street this Sunday (February 23), kick-off 2pm.

Coach Carl Roberts said: "They gave their all today and more, proven by the amount who were struggling to walk at the end.

"They covered every inch of the pitch and continued to back each other from the first minute to the last, even when they were tiring."

The other players in the 11 were Abbie Fuszard, Hollie Mace and Mica Walker.

Meanwhile, Ross Juniors Ladies, who haven't played since mid-December, were denied again on Sunday, as opponents Belmont Wanderers had a Herefordshire Cup match against Hereford FC, which they lost 11-0.

Ladies will hopefully next host Pegasus on Sunday, March 2, in their own Herefordshire Cup match.