Aston Villa Women were held to a 2-2 draw against Bristol City Women in the WSL in a disappointing result for the hosts at the Bescot Stadium.
Jordan Nobbs put the Villans ahead after 13 minutes when the England international struck a sweet shot home on the edge of the box, but the visitors hit back instantly through Amalie Thestrup to draw the game level just two minutes later.
Villa were placed back in the driving seat on the hour mark through Canadian winger Adriana Leon who slammed the ball into the net from a tight angle after Kirsty Hanson knocked a cross down into her path.
But despite the Villansโ dominance throughout the game, and in particular the second half, the Robins were able to claw back another goal when Carrie Jones struck gold from distance with eleven minutes to go.
Carla Wardโs side were left to rue their missed chances by only taking a point away from Walsall on Saturday afternoon.
There were two changes from Villa’s last outing against Manchester United, a 2-1 loss, with Maz Pacheco and Kirsty Hanson coming in, whereas the Robins swapped four of their previous eleven out for the Saturday early kick-off.
Star striker Rachel Daly was not at her usual high standards as she put numerous chances wide and straight at Shae Yanez, with a huge one saved at the end as the referee blew her final whistle.
Kenza Dali, Ebony Salmon and Nobbs all had efforts in what was a thrilling last few minutes as Villa pushed for a win against City, who still sit bottom of the table, two points below West Ham United who have a game in hand.
The West Midlands side were much the better team on the day and would have been deserved winners, but the Robins stood firm to prevent a last gasp winner and hit the hosts on the break effectively.
Villa had an immense 36 shots on the opposing goal, including three big chances but could not find their finishing touch, whereas City managed just four efforts on goal all game.
Reds’ keeper Yanez played a crucial part in seeing out a point for her side, who were promoted from the Championship last season, keeping a quality home front line at bay.
The American pulled off an outstounding eleven saves including a huge last minute stop to deny Salmon from taking the three points for the Claret and Blues.
Villa manager Ward spoke highly of Yanez’s goalkeeping display, stating that it was “the game of her life.”
Along with the impressiveness of Yanez and the usual brilliance of Nobbs, Leon showed her value to the side, not only scoring the hosts’ second goal but by constantly making herself a nuisance, crossing from the byline and from deep.
The 31-year-old, who moved to the Midlands from Man United last summer, was swapped for Salmon in the 78th minute and received high praise from her manager after the game.
“Sheโs been excellent for us in recent weeks, she really has,” stated Ward.
“It wasnโt a case of she did anything wrong, it was more that Ebony would give us a different dimension to try and get in behind. But sheโs been brilliant for us, she really has. And sheโs playing with a smile on her face, a bit of confidence and it shows what sheโs about.
Brighton and Hove Albion are the Villansโ next opponents in the Conti Cup, with the Reds facing Leicester City in two weeks.
