Cray Ladies finally returned to action for the first time since 4th December, several postponements and the Christmas break contributing to the enforced break. It proved to be a tough afternoon on the 3G at the Douglas Eyre Sports Ground as Cray were beaten 6-1 in the first round of the London & South East Regional Womens League Cup against Hackney Women.

After going behind in the 15th minute, Chloe Ashdown equalised for Cray beating the keeper after being put through one on one leaving the scores all square at the interval. However, Hackney took control after the break scoring at regular intervals to run out worthy winners.

Shorn of match practice and a lack of fresh legs to come off the bench hampered Cray with a couple of players not eligible having been signed after the original scheduling of this cup tie at the beginning of November. Cray are in cup action again next Sunday when they travel to Whyteleafe in the London & South East Regional Womens Trophy, kick off on the 3G is 3.30pm.

Cray line up: Sharp, Brown, Durso, Smith, Robertson, Sales, Ashdown, Gregory, Chenery (c), Atkins, Blanche.

Photos: Louise Ward