Moors Ladies had to be content with a share of the spoils on Sunday despite dominating proceedings against league-leaders Washington.

Billy Shackleton’s side were forced to switch the game across to East Durham College’s Houghall Campus after more rain than forecast had made the pitch at The Brewery Field.

However, the players put that disappointment behind them with a positive performance against their high-flying opposition and were left frustrated to only take a point in reward.

Moors could have gone in front early on when young striker Lily Jackson escaped through on goal but saw her shot saved by a Washington keeper who was to be kept busy all afternoon.

The deadlock was broken not long afterwards though when Autumn Colledge skipped between two Washington players before unselfishly squaring the ball into Jackson for the teenager to fire home for 1-0.

Moors remained on the front foot and could have doubled their lead when Courtney Mole’s corner was headed wide by Hannah Knox, before Jackson saw one effort blocked by a defender and another saved by the keeper.

Courtney Mole came close with a free kick and Kira Whittle was next to be frustrated by the Washington keeper as Moors somehow failed to add to their lead before the break.

The second half continued in a similar pattern and Knox was foiled by another good save, whilst at the other end the Moors defence was holding firm against any Washington counter-attack.

Alice Welch-Davison saw her header kept out by the Washington keeper and the in-form shot-stopper also reacted quickly to prevent Loren Salkeld’s long-range effort finding the top corner.

With chances coming and going, there was always the worry that the visitors could snatch a leveller – and those fears became reality on when the Washington striker looped a shot over Moors keeper Steph Doonan to make it 1-1.

However, Moors kept on playing their game as they went in search of the winner and Player of the Match Katy Hemmingway was denied by another save from the visitors’ inspired goalkeeper.

Autumn Colledge was frustrated by a fingertip save and, from the resultant corner, Sophie Farrugia struck a shot against the bar before Jackson and Drew Seymour both came close to winning it for Moors.

The winner wouldn’t come for Moors though and a point meant Shackleton’s side remain fifth, six points behind new leaders Wallsend with a game in hand.

“It’s frustrating to come away without the win,” admitted Shackleton afterwards.

“I can stand here and say it’s a good point but on another day we’d have taken all three here. Credit to Washington for staying in the game and their keeper making a number of really good saves.”

Full Time: Moors 1 Washington 1

Moors: Doonan, Salkeld, O Mole, C Colledge, Welch-Davison, C Mole, Hemmingway, A Colledge, Foster, Knox, Jackson.
Subs: Whittle (35), Seymour (30), Farrugia, (65), Kisicka (90), Hopps.