A second-half equaliser from Georgia Heasman earned Fulham Women a precious point in atrocious conditions at Saltdean United this afternoon.
Steve Jaye’s side started on the front foot with Ellie Olds going so close to giving the visitors the lead from an early goal, before brilliant pressure from Alex Hayman gave the forward another sight of goal. But the hosts took the lead just after the quarter of an hour mark through Lilian Tucker as Fulham were slow to shut down the danger. The Whites rallied impressively, levelling seven minutes later thanks to a fine free-kick from Tia Foreman.
Helen Ogle was denied by a superb save from the Saltdean goalkeeper, but United were back in front three minutes into the second half when Molly Hill punished some more ponderous defending. Olds came close to equalising just after the hour mark when she almost converted a great cross from Heasman. It was the in-form winger who hauled the Whites level for the second time – with Heasman showing her customary composure in front of goal.
The Whites pushed for a late winner but Milla Lewis’ deflected effort that flew wide was the closest either side came to winning a game of real quality despite the downpours that made playing flowing football almost impossible. The point sees Fulham leapfrog Millwall Lionesses, whose game against Dartford was postponed, to top the table – although Millwall now have two games in hand.
SALTDEAN UNITED WOMEN: Hamilton; Bridges, Gates, Howell, Hill, Melis, Nebbitt, Robinson, Sinden, Sturdy, Tucker. Subs: Hann, Pritchard.
GOALS: Tucker (16), Hill (50).
FULHAM WOMEN (4-3-3): Cowan; Allen, Foreman, Southgate, Stormer; McNee, Konan, Hayman; Olds, Heasman, Buchele. Subs: Kelly, Bird, Mendes, Lewis, Ogle.
GOALS: Foreman (23), Heasman (63).
