Hartlepool United Women clinched an important point in their battle for survival in the NERWFL Northern Division after a 1-1 draw with Chester-le-Street United.
Gareth Horwood’s side remain eighth in the table but are now three points above the bottom three.
In-form Zara Johnston gave Pools the lead at Metcalfe Park, only for Lily West to pull the visitors level from the penalty spot.
“It was a tough afternoon for the team against a very consistent Chester-le-Street United side, something we were well aware of going into the game,” said Horwood.
“Given the position we’re currently in, we knew how important it was to take something from the match.
“That pressure to secure the points needed for league safety was evident in our performance, but you cannot fault the squad for their effort and fight.
“All in all, it’s a hard-earned point, and we’ll take that as we look ahead to the remaining fixtures with focus and determination.”
Pools started brightly, applying pressure from the first whistle and creating several excellent chances in the opening 20 minutes.
Eventually, the breakthrough came through Johnston, who calmly slotted home after a perfectly-weighted through ball from Veronica Snaith.
Chester-le-Street posed plenty of problems of their own, particularly in the first half, though the home defenders stood up well to the challenge.
But Pools were undone on 35 minutes when the Street striker went down in the box under what looked like minimal contact. The referee pointed to the spot, and the penalty was dispatched well by West to make it 1-1 at the break.
In the second half, Pools dominated possession and played forward with intent, creating enough chances to win the game without converting them into goals so honour’s ended even.
“When you’re on top in games, it’s vital to be clinical,” said Horwood. “That’s something we’ll keep working on.
“The draw edges us one point closer to safety, with three massive games to go, starting on Wednesday night against league champions Thornaby, which will be a huge test.”
Unfortunately, Sunday’s game ended with some concerns on the injury front, as it looks like Pools may have lost Chelsea Bassett for the rest of the season, and possibly Anya Geary too, who came off with a thigh strain.
Image: Mark Bird
