Watford Ladies won by the odd goal in nine in their first game back since football was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, beating Billericay Town Women 5-4.

A Helen Ward hat-trick and a goal apiece for Leanne Bell and first-team debutant Rubie Smith saw the Golden Girls come out on top in the friendly fixture as they begin their preparations for the upcoming season, which is expected to begin some time in mid-September.

Speaking to the club website after the Ladies' first training session ahead of the match, Ward said the group were confident about the season ahead and about being able to get back to doing their job.

“It was so good to see the girls and staff again after what feels like an eternity,” said Ward. “It’s been a strange and tough few months for everyone and it was just nice to get back to doing something that feels a lot more normal.

“I think we want to carry on the sort of form we showed for the majority of last season, but we also know there are areas to improve. I am confident if we do that, we will be a very tough side to beat.

“We have competition in every area of the pitch, and with the players we are bringing in, we will be able to change how we play and adapt to each game as we need to. I am so excited to see how we can build over the next few weeks. I’ve not anticipated a season like this for a long time.”