Needham Market ended their season with an entertaining 2-2 draw against AFC Dunstable that saw the visitors relegated back to the 1st Division.
There was way more at stake for the away side, and they led in the first half thanks to Mollie Knox, although their goalkeeper Tyrii Bell made several top saves to keep that in tact at the break.
The second half saw both sides create chances again, but the pressure finally told on the team second bottom as Sheryce Slater and Keira Topple turned it around only for a late equaliser from Haile Richards earning them a point.
The game was very even in the first 20 minutes with Needham creating several good chances but were a little profligate in front of goal.
Dunstable though held a threat and duly took the lead in the 22nd when Knox scored across Amber Locker as she out sprinted Lexi Pryke.
Needham looked dangerous though and were denied twice by two outstanding saves from Bell, firstly tipping an Ellie Rossiter rocket onto the bar before a slight touch to deflect anAnnie Posnett shot wide of the post.
The second half followed the same patten with Needham creating the better chances but again couldn’t level with some wayward shooting and more Bell brilliance denying a deserved equaliser.
It may have looked like it was going to be one of those days, but parity was restored when Slater bulleted a close-range equaliser from a corner.
Dunstable still held a threat, but the momentum was with the home side, and it was into the final 10 minutes when Needham looked to win the match as Topple flicked the ball round the covering defender and then smashed the ball in on the half volley.
Rossiter was then denied by Bell again tipping over her cross come shot before a late kick in the teeth with Richards levelling from a close-range free kick.
Mia Etheridge-Golding still could have won it with a free header, but it ended all square and although it wasn’t a win there will be heart in the performance of young debutant Megan McCrae-Robinson to highlight a brighter future ahead.
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