Last week’s opening-day defeat was put behind them as Watford Women beat Billericay 1-0 in their first home game of the new National League South season.

The only goal of the game came from summer signing Lachante Paul, and although Renee Hector’s side had chances to win more comfortably, it was enough for three points and a clean sheet.

As well as Paul making her debut, there was also a first appearance for Elkie Bowyer who, along with Maia Lazarro, joined Watford on dual-registration from Tottenham at the end of last week.

The decisive goal came after 17 minutes when Coral Haines corner was nodded back across goal by Anne Meiwald and Paul’s reactions got her there first to stick the ball in the net.

Haines then headed a Flo Fyfe cross wide, before Paul went close after being set up by Annie Rossiter.

Seven minutes into the second half a superb pass from Gemma Davison teed up Fyfe for a shot that went just the wrong side of the post.

In the 70th minute, summer signing Anna Filbey climbed well to meet a Haines corner but sent her header wide.

Within a minute both Fyfe and substitute Poppy Wilson saw shots blocked inside the area.

Three minutes from the end, Lazarro saw her low shot saved by visiting keeper Aimee Watson.

The victory means Watford sit mid-table in the fledgling National League South table.

Next up for Watford is a trip to face Lewes next Sunday (September 1), the team that were relegated with them from the Championship last season.

Then, on Thursday September 5 (7pm), the Hornets make the short trip to face Chesham United in the Women’s National League Cup.

Watford Women: O’Sullivan; Filbery, Meiwald, Chandler, McLean, Rossiter, Bowyer (Wilson 63), Haines, Davison (Lazarro 63), Paul (Head ht), Fyfe (Hind 83). Unused subs: Goldsmid, Hall