Chepstow Ladies put on a united front with just nine players against second-in-the-league Sue Noakes at the weekend, battling to a 2-2 draw.

At the whistle, Sue Noakes drove straight through the middle. Claire Clarke stepped up to tackle and swept the ball to Kate McKoy, who gained ground with Hannah Moore.

Possession was vital for Chepstow as Sue Noakes piled on the pressure. Chepstow stood strong focussing on channel marking players out of the scoring zone, holding formation.

Sue Noakes broke through and struck the ball at Brodie Knox, the defence cleared the ball wide to Hilary Baker, who bolted down the line crossing to Moore who took the ball with skill into the goal, the rebound was put away by Hannah Williams.

Sue Noakes were taking advantage of space on the left to work the ball towards goal, Mary Baker defiantly denying their attempts.

Chepstow took the ball from a free hit down the right. Baker gained ground and slipped it centre to Wendy Eburne.

Interplay between Eburne, Moore and Baker got another shot on for Chepstow. Williams picked up the ball and put away Chepstow's second goal.

Sue Noakes frustration was palpable and aggressive play allowed them to move fast down the right, switching it through their forwards for another great defensive set from Clarke to Alex Searle, who brought the ball back out of the danger zone.

Sue Noakes intercepted the pass and made their way to goal. Chepstow's lack of numbers freed their striker who converted a solo effort.

Fatigue was beginning to show in Chepstow's counter-attacks and several shorts were conceded. Despite McKoy's and Searle's interceptions and saves from Knox, Baker and Clarke, Sue Noakes converted a second goal to bring the half-time score to 2-2.

The second half brought a renewed energy from Chepstow as they fought harder and harder with fast breaks down the pitch.

Play was end-to-end and surprisingly Sue Noakes fitness was waining, allowing Chepstow to move play quicker around them

Sue Noakes attacking pressure was relentless and several more short corners were conceded that McKoy faced with grit and saved by Knox.

Chepstow battled to gain ground and attempts at goal weren't quite enough despite Baker's and Searle's injections.

Every individual worked together in true Chepstow spirit to prevent Sue Noakes from scoring their attempts. With 90 seconds left Sue Noakes found a gap on the right and their striker was free to get a shot on target with three players on Knox ready to rebound.

Knox stepped forward with Clarke and Baker holding strong to get the ball off the back line.

A 2-2 draw against all odds for Chepstow. The draw puts them level on points with Cardiff Athletic II but Chepstow's goal difference keeps them out of the relegation zone with three games left to play this season. They take on Penarth III at home on Saturday.