Oswestry Ladies are two victories away from recording a stunning success in a national championship.

Anwen Pugh’s side produced a determined display to move into the semi-finals of the England Women’s Vase – a competition open to all the country’s lower graded teams – with a 2-1 victory at Bedfordshire side Shafford & Sandy.

It was a bitter-sweet afternoon for Pugh who was taken to hospital just after half-time with a serious facial injury and broken nose after being struck by a stick.

Initial fears that the captain would require plastic surgery proved unfounded, and Pugh is now hoping her side can go all the way to national glory.

“It was a fantastic performance and a fantastic victory,” said Pugh.

“We have worked exceptionally hard to get this far and we would love to go all the way now.

“The girls are all really excited and we can’t wait for the semi-finals.”

Having been forced to endure trips to Kendal and Bedfordshire in the last two rounds, Oswestry have finally had some luck with the draw as they will entertain East Grinstead, of Sussex, in the semi-finals on Sunday, April 5.

And Oswestry will be seeking a repeat of Sunday’s exploits when they took the lead on nine minutes, Meg Ballment reacting well after a Tracey Royle shot was blocked.

The visitors were soon celebrating the comfort of a second goal when Sarah Wood crossed the ball into Royle who slotted home.

Pugh’s injury caused a tactical re-shuffle and nerve ends were frayed when Shafford & Sandy reduced the deficit.

But Oswestry survived a tense conclusion to move into the last four.

One small price for progress came 24 hours earlier when a lack of available players forced them to concede their Cheshire League division one trip to Macclesfield and accept a 3-0 defeat.

But they remain in second position ahead of this weekend’s trip to Oxton, who held Whitchurch to a 1-1 draw last week.

The Shropshire side fell behind early on but Emma Harper’s drag flick from a short corner restored parity.

Whitchurch could feasibly catch Oswestry in second position, but will require maximum points from their home clash with Bowden to give themselves a chance.