IT REMAINS as it was in Cherries’ title battle with Exeter City for the FA Women’s National League Division One South West after a 1-1 draw between the two sides at Long Lane.

Both sides entered the game with 100 per cent league records and there was nothing to separate the division’s top two as Kenni Thompson’s first-half strike was cancelled out by Jenna Markham early into the second period.

Cherries started brightly and kept Exeter City keeper Abbi Bond busy in the opening exchanges.

However, the game settled into an even contest with little in the way of chances.

That proved to be the case right up until the break, when Thompson was well placed to thump home Molly Barron-Clark’s pinpoint cross and open scores.

Cherries’ lead did not last long into the second half.

Phoebe Baker’s ball found Markham, who brought the pass down before rifling home.

Exeter remain top, courtesy of having played – and won – two more games than Cherries.

Cherries: Kosinska; Venditto, Bleazard (Fripp, 40), Treweek, Jones; James, Barron-Clark, Hillier (Buckingham, 58), Thompson; Cooper, McGuinness.

Unused subs: Gilroy, Bloomfield, Scadding (g/k).