BICESTER ladies returned to the top of the league with a 1-0 victory over Newbury and Thatcham 2nd.

Nicolene Willers scored the only goal of the Trysports Three Counties League Division 1 clash.

They are level on points with second-placed Sonning, but have a superior goal difference with 21 compared to 14.

Against Newbury, both sides started strongly and chances fell at either end of the pitch.

But Bicester began to force their visitors back, only for them to lose Alison Haik to injury just before half-time after she was hit by a shot which rebounded off a post.

The home side started the second period strongly and Willers broke the deadlock with a calm finish.

Newbury looked to counter as Bicester searched for a second to make their lead more comfortable.

But goalkeeper Joanna Underhill stayed alert to keep a clean sheet as the hosts secured victory.

Bicester travel to fifth-placed Oxford 4th on Saturday, looking to stay at the top.