TOWN Ladies Reserves strengthened their claims for the West Riding Women’s League Third Division title – despite being held to a 2-2 draw at home to rivals Wigton Moor.

That’s because third-placed Lepton Highlanders suffered an unexpected 2-1 defeat at Tingley Athletic Reserves.

Town are level at the top with Wigton Moor on 31 points, but have played a game less than the Leeds side. Lepton are four points behind Town but have a game in hand.

With the first team inactive – they are back in Northern Women’s Combination action at Cheadle Heath Nomads on Sunday (2.00) – attention switched to the second string.

The first real chance didn’t come until the 24th minute, when Emily Cook hit the bar from a free-kick.

And Ophelia Donlon made some impressive breaks from deep, managing to beat the offside trap three times without being able to find the net.

Town finally went ahead in the 52nd minute when Shauna Messenger broke onto a long clearance to finish nicely.

Moor hit a post before Messenger shot just over after being teed up by Emma Taylor.

The first equaliser came against the run of play on 70 minutes, but Town were soon back in front when Cook broke down the left and crossed for Taylor to finish from close range.

However the visitors levelled it up with a dipping long-range shot.

Town are back in action against Amaranth in Leeds on Sunday (2.00).

Town’s Under 16s also faced Wigton Moor, losing 5-1 in a West Riding Girls League game.

Mel Sutcliffe put Town ahead and teammate Seana Potts saved a penalty, but Wigton took a grip on the game with two goals shortly before half-time.

Centre-back Siobhan McCauley was Town’s player of the match.

There was disappointment for the Under 14s, whose first defeat of the season came in their Sheffield and Hallamshire League showdown with Middlewood Rovers.

The only goal came after just 10 minutes while Town’s Kirsty Hanson had a penalty saved after a foul on Amy Thompson.

Town can bounce back on Saturday (10.30), when victory against Barugh Girls at Grange Moor will clinch the league title.

At the same time and same venue, the Under 12s have a Sheffield and Hallamshire League game against Socrates.