BICESTER Ladies started the year in poor fashion as they suffered a 4-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Aylesbury.

They were 4-0 down at half-time in the Trysports Three Counties League Premier 1 encounter, before a much-improved showing after the break.

Lorraine Brickell scored her second goal in three games, but it proved to be only a consolation.

Bicester’s second string were also at home, drawing 0-0 with Reading 3A in Division 2.

Kate Ford was forced off injured for the hosts after a brave defensive run on a short corner, while Lilla Venning had a goal disallowed for Bicester.