HARLESTON MAGPIES 1

COLCHESTER 1

East Women's League division one north

LIBBY Knifton's strike secured Colchester Ladies a share of the spoils at fellow mid-table side Harleston Magpies.

Knifton showed fantastic skill before converting with a great strike that pounded past the keeper and in, from the top of the D.

Colchester Ladies first-team coach Jacqui Crombie said: "The girls showed great character throughout the game, maintaining their formation and composure until the final whistle.

"We are looking solid for the rest of the season."

The game began with a high tempo which continued throughout the 70 minutes.

The Magpies flew at the away team, putting the Colchester defence under immediate pressure.

Liz Pope commanded the back with her usual composure and impeccable tackling skills when under great pressure.

Kate Meade made some outstanding saves in the first half, with one Magpies strike being saved by outside of her pads.

Beth Probert and Lorraine Fitch held the flanks and made some key interceptions.

After ten minutes of Colchester being under the cosh, the ball made its way though to Sarah Rose and Knifton who commanded the middle of the pitch. Jemma Rix attacked with drive and a number of chances were created but the visitors were kept out of the goal.

Colchester welcomed back Helen Scott, who returned to the flock after a maternity break.

She showed no sign of any rustiness and had a fantastic game up front, twice coming close to scoring.

After an end-to-end first half, Colchester hatched a plan for the second period and went out ready to win the game.

Ellie Benfield and Frankie Harley put in a great shift on the wings, making key tackles and runs to intercept the ball.

The high intensity action continued and Colchester seems to ruffle the home team's feather,s as the Magpies became increasingly frustrated at their attacks being broken down by the solid visitors' defence.

Knifton grabbed Colchester's goal but despite chances for both teams and a flurry of cards, the game finished all square.