Durham Women FC 0 Doncaster Rovers Belles 0

DONCASTER Belles were left frustrated after missing a succession of chances as they were held to a third straight draw by a valiant Durham at New Ferens Park.

The second-placed side in the FAWSL 2 controlled much of the first half, but wasted their chances as rock-bottom Durham fought hard after the break to secure the point.

Gordon Staniforth’s side now find themselves just one point behind table-topping Sunderland, though they have played one more game.

The Belles started brightly, and could have been ahead after just four minutes, but Reanne Thomas couldn’t steer home Ashleigh Mills’ looping cross at the back post.

Durham held firm, despite the pressure, and carved out a chance for themselves on 22 minutes, as Beth Jennings nodded just wide from a deep Jordan Atkinson cross.

England veteran Sue Smith tricked her way to the edge of the box just before half-time, but her curling effort was swallowed up by Hill.

Durham started the second half on the front foot, as Zoe Ness blazed over from a Beth Hepple corner.

However, Doncaster fought their way back into the game. Kasia Lipka’s 25-yard effort was drilled towards goal, but was denied by a fine scrambling save on 72 minutes.

The Belles very nearly took the lead soon after, as captain Leandra Little’s header dipped over the bar, causing premature celebrations from the handful of travelling fans.

Mills shook the bar with a stunning effort for the Belles, while Atkinson and Ness flashed two shots wide for Durham in a frantic stoppage time, but neither side could break the deadlock.