Needham Market Women battled valiantly despite a 2-1 home defeat to Enfield Town at an extremely windy Ruby Homes Arena, Bloomfields.
The Marketwomen however dealt with the troublesome conditions well, with Ashtyn Newley well placed to clear a shot off the line, while the rebound was shot wide on 18 minutes.
At the other end, the Marketwomen went agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock five minutes later, Ciera Flatt drove forward into space before thundering a shot at goal that was agonisingly denied by the inside of the post.
Enfield though scored twice in seven minutes, which arguably seemed harsh on the home side, with Shanique Brown breaking the deadlock at close range on 24 minutes.
Olivia Martin doubled Enfield's lead just after the hour mark after converting a cutback.
The Marketwomen were arguably much the better team in the second half, with their efforts largely deserving of a point.
Needham 'keeper Amber Locker was forced into two good saves before the hour mark, firstly holding onto a curling strike towards her top corner on 50 minutes, before tipping over a near post shot from outside the box seven minutes later.
Chloe Brame meanwhile tested the visiting 'keeper, just before the hour mark, but her fierce shot from distance was well held by the stopper.
The home side were soon awarded a penalty, after a terrific run through Enfield's half from Becca Stephenson - who had intercepted a loose pass before beating the defender for pace - led to the defender pushing her down.
Up stepped the winger to thunder the spot-kick in off the underside of the crossbar in brilliant style on 64 minutes.
While Enfield shot narrowly over, the home side continued to search for an equaliser, albeit it was Enfield who had the last chance in the 3rd minute of stoppage time.
Amber Locker however was equal to the low shot towards her bottom corner, holding onto the ball superbly.
Needham are back on the road on Sunday away to Real Bedford Reserves.
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