LYE Town Ladies have made a lively start to the season with a convincing 4-1 win over arch rivals Crusaders.

Claire Williamson cracked home a hat-trick to put Lye firmly in command before Rhiannon Bate blasted home the fourth goal before Birmingham based Crusaders converted a late consolation from the penalty spot.

This is Lye Town's second season in the West Midlands Premier Division after winning promotion from Division One South two years ago.

In what is effectively the fifth tier of women's football, Lye finished third last season, their highest ever placing while becoming runners-up in the League Cup.

Victory over Crusaders was very significant as they came second last term and were the only side to beat Lye both home and away.

Based at Lye's Stourbridge Road ground headquarters, Lye Ladies play their matches on Sunday and are managed by Clive Rogers and assistant Mark Ridge.

Lye have also set up a Development Squad and if anyone is interested in joining them, they can contact Steve Worton on 07914 828269.