Slough's revival poses challenge for Leicester

LEICESTER, THE current women's Premier leaders on goal difference from Ipswich, face a true test of their title credentials tomorrow when they visit the defending champions Slough, who currently lie in fourth place.

LEICESTER, THE current women's Premier leaders on goal difference from Ipswich, face a true test of their title credentials tomorrow when they visit the defending champions Slough, who currently lie in fourth place.

Leicester started the season in fine form but have lost their way in recent weeks whereas Slough, who launched the season with two defeats and have a greatly reshaped squad, hit top form with a 2-1 victory away at Hightown in their last outing. The Slough coach John Shaw, while happy with the result, was delighted with the improvement in his side's form and in particular with that of Lucy Cope, who recently returned after a long lay-off and several operations.

Purdy Miller, who dislocated a collar bone three weeks ago, will be missing from the Leicester ranks, but they expect to have Sarah Naylor back in the squad after an absence of several weeks. With second placed Ipswich away to Clifton and Hightown, the team below them, visiting Doncaster there could be changes at the top by tomorrow evening.

Loughborough Students are on maximum points at the top of Division One and were in fine goal scoring mood during the week, putting 10 past Leeds in the Universities League. It is unlikely pointless Bracknell will upset them at Epinal Way.