Welwyn Pegasus ladies bowed out of the Herts FA Women's Trophy with a first-round loss at Evergreen Eagles.

The victory for the home side was expected, they are from Division One of the Beds & Herts League while Pegasus, despite being fourth in the table, are two divisions below them.

However, the 3-1 success was hard fought as Welwyn, who played three-quarters of the game with a player disadvantage, were more than a match for them at times, putting on a resilient showing.

Balls were sprayed forward for Lizzie Palmer, Abigail Rowark and Kiera Muzvidziwa-Weston to chase in the early stages.

They were unable to convert their chances though and midway through the first half, they were hit by a double sucker punch, Jess Grizenkova sent off for a handball in the box and Evergreen converting the penalty.

The home side got a second just before the break following a goalmouth scramble but Pegasus roared out of the blocks after half-time, halving the deficit when Saphire French whipped a corner into the box.

The Evergreen keeper failed to deal with it and skipper Karen Merry was in the right place at the right time to smash it into the net.

Evergreen were reduced to attempts from distance as the Pegasus defence, especially Saphire and Kristal French and Louise Iqbal, frustrated the hosts.

They spent most of the second half in and around the Pegasus box but it wasn't until 10 minutes from time that they were able to break through.

Pegasus get back to league action on Sunday with a trip to Bury Rangers.

In the Herts Senior County League Premier Division, Cuffley Seniors beat Hatfield Town 2-0, Mark Ajayi and Max Elliott getting the goals, while Lemsford were beaten 3-2 at home to Oracle Components.

In Division One, AFC Welwyn Res won 2-0 at home to Knebworth while Hatfield United were beaten 4-1 at home to Waltham Cross.

Owens meanwhile lost 4-2 at home to Westmill.

In Division Two of the Spartan South Midlands League, Codicote went top after a 4-0 success away to Stony Stratford Town.

Two goals from Liam Hayden and one each for Fabio Bufano and Michael Brako mean they are a point ahead of AFC Welwyn although they have played one game more.

St Panteleimon, who play their home games at Potters Bar Town, are the leaders in the Premier Division after a 3-1 success over Baldock Town.

They are five points clear of Bedford but have played four games more.