STOKE CITY Ladies have climbed to the top of the West Midlands Combination League . . . after a hard-fought victory over their closest rivals Curzon Ashton.

The win puts the Ladies two points clear in the title race with a game in hand, although manager Steve Swanwick has warned that the hard works starts now.

Becky Knight was the hero on the night with both goals, but it took some excellent 'backs to the wall' defending to ensure that City held onto their advantage.

"The girls were magnificent," said Swanwick. "The commitment they have shown tonight to turn up after a tough day, to play to the level they did and come away with what they deserve made it a memorable night. Now the hard work starts to stay top."

City Ladies were a point behind Curzon going into the game, but they started the quicker of the two sides and went in front in the 20th minute when Ele Costello forced the opposing 'keeper to push out her shot and Knight followed up to score from the rebound.

After working hard to hold onto that lead, a stirring talk from Swanwick at half time inspired the girls to produce a strong start after the break and when Nicola Hudson burst down the right, her cross into the middle found the head of Knight who made no mistake.

Curzon managed to pull a goal back in the closing stages, but although it led to one or two anxious moment, City Ladies held on to claim a well-deserved victory.