London Bees extended their unbeaten run in the league but had to settle for a point after a hard fought 0-0 draw against Chatham Town at The Bees Stadium.
The Bees almost made a dream start in the opening minutes as Lily Whitelock curled a dangerous effort in from the left, which the Chatham goalkeeper failed to hold.
The loose ball fell to Betty Larkin, who looked set to capitalise from close range, but the keeper recovered quickly to smother the chance.
Chatham responded with an early opportunity of their own, breaking through on goal. However, Cheyenne Flynn’s superb recovery run and last ditch defending kept the visitors at bay.
Moments later, Tia Ginn came off her line with confidence, sliding in to collect the ball and halt another Chatham attack.
As the half progressed, the Bees began to grow into the game, settling into their rhythm and finding spaces to exploit in Chatham’s defence.
Despite some promising build-up play from both sides, neither team could find the breakthrough in a competitive and evenly matched first half.
Around the 30-minute mark, Shamoy Campbell came close to breaking the deadlock as she lobbed the ball over the onrushing keeper on the right flank and chased down her effort, but the Chatham defence recovered in time to clear the danger.
Just before the interval, Chatham launched a hopeful long ball into the box, but it had too much power and rolled out for a goal kick.
Half-Time: London Bees 0-0 Chatham Town
The Bees came out firing in the second half but Whitelock was fouled on the left after a driving run and stepped up to take the resulting free kick.
She delivered a pinpoint ball to the back post, where Brionne Fowle was waiting. Fowle got a touch on it, but her effort skimmed the outside of the post and went wide.
Flynn continued her defensive masterclass, sprinting back to chase down a Chatham attacker and executing a perfectly timed slide tackle to thwart another dangerous run.
Manager Dan McKimm made his first changes of the match shortly after, bringing on Sandra Martins and Bees captain Aimee Durn, making her return from a pre-season injury, in place of Fran Vigo and Betty Larkin.
Campbell showcased her quick feet on the right, sending a teasing ball across the face of goal.
Rebekah Wozniak came flying in at the centre but was just inches away from making contact, as the ball narrowly evaded her and rolled out for a goal kick.
As the rain began to pour over The Bees Stadium, the home side continued to press with intensity.
With just minutes remaining, Martins won possession on the left and surged forward, cutting the ball back into the box.
Sam Lanza met it sweetly, but her strike was met by a stunning save from the Chatham keeper.
The rebound fell to Durn on the edge of the area, and she rifled a shot towards goal, only to see it sail just over the crossbar.
Despite the Bees dominating large spells of the second half and creating several chances, the game ended goalless with both sides sharing the points.
Full-Time: London Bees 0-0 Chatham Town
Line-Up: Ginn, Hoteit, Heil, Flynn, Lanza, Fowle, Vigo (Durn 62’), Larkin (Martins 62’), Wozniak, Campbell, Whitelock.
The London Bees host Norwich City next Sunday at The Bees Stadium, for a 2pm kick off in another tough clash for the Bees in the Division One South East League.