The Belles produced an excellent performance to earn a deserved draw against high-flying Durham Cestria at the Eco-Power Stadium.
Ciaran Toner’s side had opportunities to win the game, and were more than good value for their point.
Cestria began the day third in the FAWNL Division One North, and started the brighter of the two sides when Erin Brown’s chested half-volley had to be turned past the post by Ellie Sharp.
The visitors went close again when former Lioness Jess Clarke clipped the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
The Belles then came within a whisker of taking the lead on the half hour mark, when Lindsey Tugby-Andrew’s cross was touched onto the top of the post by Anna King, bouncing off the goalkeeper’s back before being in the right place at the right time to deny Mollie Barlow’s follow up.
The second half brought little change of approach for either side, and the game remained competitive throughout.
Erin Brown went close for Cestria on the hour before being called upon at the other end to deny Jasmine Saxton with a superb last ditch tackle.
Durham Cestria are fighting for the title in Division One North this season, but were left singing the praises of goalkeeper Anna King once again - Barlow denied by the feet of the sprawling goalkeeper from Saxton's low cross in another big chance for the Belles.
The away side had a penalty appeal waved away when Clarke went down inside the area, before being booked for her protestations.
Belles: Sharp, Johnson, Rattenbury, J Tugby-Andrew, Yates, L Tugby-Andrew, Gigg, Abadi (Shenton 46, Sneddon 80), McWilliams (Chitengu 63), Barlow (Parnham 83), Saxton. Subs not used: Morris.
The Belles return to the Iqbal Poultry Stadium in Moorends on Wednesday, April 3 to host another promotion-chasing outfit, Hull City in a 7.45pm kick-off.
And they will be back at the Eco-Power Stadium on Saturday, April 20 in a 6pm kick-off against FC United of Manchester, immediately following Doncaster Rovers’ clash with Barrow.
