Moors Ladies followed in the footsteps of their male counterparts on Sunday by snatching a last-gasp draw in their game against Norton & Stockton Ancients Reserves.

It looked as though Billy Shackelton’s side were set for their first defeat in the league since October when the visitors led 1-0 going into the closing stages.

However, top scorer Autumn Colledge once again came up trumps when she converted a brilliant leveller with just four minutes of normal time remaining at Houghall.

A heavy pitch made the contest difficult going for both sides but it was Moors who looked the more lively early on and Autumn Colledge was denied by a good save from the Norton keeper after good work from Katy Hemmingway.

However, Shackleton’s team struggled to find the rhythm that has been a feature of their play in recent weeks and the scoreline remained goalless as the teams came in at the break.

An honest half time discussion in the changing rooms provoked a reaction from Moors and Kira Whittle could have put them in front when found in the box by Courtney Mole but the effort was blocked.

Autumn Colledge continued to provide a threat from midfield but was frustrated by the Norton keeper on a number of occasions, whilst Moors were working hard to keep the league’s top scorer quiet at the other end.

However, on 74 minutes the visitors stole in front. A ball into the box was not dealt with effectively and the prolific Maddie Myers was well placed to fire home and give Norton a 1-0 lead.

Shackleton rolled the dice and pushed Autumn Colledge into a more advanced role for the closing stages and on 86 minutes it paid off when Holly Middleton found her in space and she fired the ball past the keeper for 1-1.

And Colledge could even have won it with more two more close calls before the final whistle but again Norton’s keeper proved her worth.

“When we’re unable to win, it’s imperative that we don’t lose,” said Shackleton afterwards.

“Norton are a good side; I’d say they’re perhaps the best we’ve faced this season and they gave us a physical battle as well as their obvious quality going forward.

“It’s crucial that we’ve come away with a point despite not being at our best.”

Moors Ladies’ next game is at The Brewery Field on Friday night when they play host to Guisborough Town. Kick-off is 7pm and tickets are available online – click here.

Full Time: Moors 1 Norton & Stockton Ancients Reserves 1

Moors: Doonan, C Colledge, Farrugia, Welch-Davison, O Mole, C Mole, Hemmingway, A Colledge, Jackson, Foster, Whittle.
Subs: Scott, Knox, Kisicka, Middleton.