Torquay United’s Women earned a battling point at Southampton yesterday, although it was very nearly all three.
With the side desperately seeking vital points during the run-in to avoid relegation from the FA Women’s National League, a goalless first-half saw neither side able to make a breakthrough, despite a number of promising openings.
That competitive first 45 minutes set the stage for more of the same in the second period, and nine minutes after the break, Torquay’s effort and endeavour finally paid off, as Ocean Latto slotted home to give her side a deserved lead.
United’s side – once again depleted through injury – then proceeded to soak up a period of home pressure with confidence, and with the match heading into the dying stages, it appeared that TUWFC would be heading back home with a valuable maximum-points haul in the bag.
Sadly, they fell just short, as The Sirens netted their leveller with just four minutes remaining through Rhi Hambleton.
Even then, United looked the likelier to strike again, but in the end, they had to settle for a point on their travels.
With just four games remaining, and three points separating Torquay from Portishead and Southampton in the final safety spots, TUWFC will now be hoping to claim at least a couple more victories in their final fixtures to give them a realistic at extending their stay at tier four for another season.