It was two games with differing results for Colney Heath Ladies but both saw the Magpies put in fine performances.

Herts Advertiser: Samaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTERSamaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

They began with a hugely impressive game against Watford U23s in the Herts Women's Challenge Cup which was only decided in favour of the Premier League outfit in the 88th minute, the Hornets winning 2-1.

Herts Advertiser: Samaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTERSamaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Colney's plan to stifle Watford and play on the counter attack worked for the most part with Kelly Hancock and Sheree Oliver putting in a great deal of effort to get up and down the wide areas.

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath Ladies suffered a late 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTERColney Heath Ladies suffered a late 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

And they were able to take the lead too, Samaira Khan finishing with aplomb after going round the keeper.

Herts Advertiser: Samaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTERSamaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

The second half though was a different story as Watford upped the tempo.

Herts Advertiser: Samaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTERSamaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

The equaliser arrived on 70 minutes, an own-goal off the unlucky Annie Hickey from a speculative cross and the late killer blow sent the Magpies tumbling out of the cup but with their heads well and truly held high.

Herts Advertiser: Samaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTERSamaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Their return to Eastern Region Women's Football League Premier Division action saw them clinch a 1-0 win at home to St Ives Town.

Herts Advertiser: Samaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTERSamaira Khan got Colney Heath Ladies goal in their narrow 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Khan and goalkeeper Amy Butler were both unavailable for selection, Lucy Hancock going between the sticks, and she was delighted to come away from a tight encounter with a clean sheet.

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath Ladies suffered a late 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTERColney Heath Ladies suffered a late 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

The goal when it came on the half-hour mark was worthy of winning any game of football.

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath Ladies suffered a late 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTERColney Heath Ladies suffered a late 2-1 loss to Watford U23 in the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Rianne Townsend-Brown, playing in her more preferred role as striker, won the ball on the right before cutting it back to the advancing Megan Kelly.

She took one touch before unleashing a sublime strike into the top left corner.

The second half was scrappy but after a flurry of late chances from St Ives, Colney Heath held on for a win that sees them back up to fifth.

Manager Paul Gleeson said: "I'm really happy with the result today. The goal from Megs was an absolute worldie and no-one is happier than me to see her score that but I've also got to mention Lucy who has kept a clean sheet and done us proud yet again as a stand-in keeper.

"St Ives are a good young side who gave their manager everything so I'm very pleased we edged it in the end."

Colney Heath go to Luton Town on Sunday.