DEESIDE Ramblers Ladies conquered illness and one of the tightest defences in the North Women’s League Premier Division when they defeated Nelson Ladies 2-0.

The home side suffered an early blow when midfielder Deb Kay fell ill during the warm-up. She was unable to start so Sue Baird moved up to fill her role and Ange Stacey provided defensive cover.

Kay did recover briefly and came on for 10 minutes, during which she opened Ramblers’ account with a cheeky goal poached from an Amy Brickland cross.

The score stood at 1-0 until late on when Roe Symms dodged round the Nelson defence.

Her pass found Claire Pearson, who continued her consistent scoring record, putting the ball past the Nelson keeper. A well deserved victory leaves Deeside just one point away from the top of the league.

Deeside Ramblers’ men’s first team lost 3-2 at home to Preston on Saturday. They are away to Oxton tomorrow.