The first team went down to a disappointing defeat in a tough game away at Stoke City Ladies.

Town took the game to Stoke in the opening minutes and, in the 5th minute a well struck shot from Sarah Danby was tipped over the bar by the Stoke goalkeeper.

Confusion then caused a moment of panic in the Town defence but Amy Battel did well to clear a goal bound shot out for a corner.

Stoke then started to apply further pressure and Laura Carter was called into making a decent save in the 12th minute.

The game was becoming fractious and one or two nasty challenges went unpunished by the young referee.

Stoke opened the scoring in the 16th minute when a well timed run beat the Town offside trap before the shot beat Carter after deflecting off the foot of defender Millie Turner.

For the next few minutes Town again went on the attack and Danby shot wide before Battel headed a corner over the Stoke crossbar.

Just as Town appeared to be getting back into the game, Stoke doubled their lead with 9 minutes of the half remaining.

Half time 2-0

Town started the second half strongly and pulled a goal back in the 48th minute with a great finish from player of the match Lucy Sowerby.

Stoke however gained back the 2 goal cushion again when making it 3-1 in the 55th minute with a delightful lob over Carter, following a long ball over the top.

On the hour mark, Stoke were reduced to 10 players following a red card for apparent violent conduct.

Chances came and went for Town as they tried to take advantage of Stoke's reduced numbers.

With just 4 minutes of normal time remaining, Alex Hindwood played Kate Mallin in with a nice ball, Mallin then beat the defender and slotted the ball home to reduce the deficit.

Town however, ran out of time and Stoke held on for the win.