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Despite the driving rain, Posh Women maintained their undefeated status after they drew 1-1 with Loughborough Lightning thanks to Renai Bennett’s second-half penalty kick.

Peterborough United Women shared the points with Loughborough Lightning on Thursday evening in a nail-biting top of the table clash at Yaxley Football Club.

Posh made a promising start with a chance from Brown going slightly askew and an early free-kick from Lawlor looked to be on target, but her effort was deflected just wide of the far post.

A minute later, Dawbarn’s corner ball was met by Reynolds, but her volley was well saved by Murphy.

The visitors secured an early lead on six minutes after Wright’s ball in the box was met by a header from HINES. Lightning continued to cause frustration with both Brown and Reynolds being cautioned.

On 28 minutes, Posh settled and saw Lawlor send a shot at goal from inside the box, but the visitors defended well. Soon after, an under-hit pass was met by Lightning, but Corry rushed off her line to clear.

The box-to-box action continued with some good work from Middleton down the right, where she cut inside but saw her effort blocked.

On 38 minutes, Lightning delivered a threatening cross into the box, but Sharpe did well to head the ball clear. 

Posh were quick to counter with Lawlor’s corner causing havoc in the six-yard box, but the ball was somehow kept out by the visitors following the goalmouth scrabble.

After the break, the high tempo contest continued with a chance from Perkins, who advanced into the box to find Reynolds, but she saw her effort deflected out for a corner.

On 52 minutes, Lightning looked to double their lead but Corry did well to parry the shot away. Shortly after, Murphy denied Dawbarn’s curled effort from the edge of the box, before Corry was called into action again to save a long range effort.

Three minutes after coming off the bench, Renai BENNETT stepped up to take the vital penalty for Posh after Sharpe was fouled in the box. The midfielder coolly converted from the spot to claim the equaliser on 70 minutes.

The visitors reacted well including a fast-paced shot that was well-defended by Driscoll-King and a corner ball that caused trouble.

Corry made some vital saves in the closing minutes with some close calls from Lightning, but the keeper ensured Posh claimed a point.

Posh Women will look to extend their undefeated run as they welcome Worcester City Women to Deeping Rangers FC on Sunday afternoon (2pm) in the First Round of the FA Women’s National League Cup.

Posh: Corry, Connor, Dawbarn, Driscoll-King, Sharpe, Middleton (sub Wilshaw, 67min), Brown (sub Bale 55min), Perkins ©, Lawlor (sub Bennett 67min), Reynolds, Osker.

Unused subs: Meli, O’Neill.

Half-Time: Peterborough United Women 0-1 Loughborough Lightning Women 
Full-Time: Peterborough United Women 1-1 Loughborough Lightning Women 
Referee: Broghan Kelly