IT WAS vital Cherries women came away from something with their clash against Keynsham Town according to boss Steve Cuss.

Cherries had to come from behind in front of a crowd of 6,162 at Vitality Stadium after Vicky Vipond’s first-half opener left them chasing the game.

Captain Gemma Hillier ensured the spoils were shared with her rasping effort midway through the second period, Cherries unable to convert their consistent pressure into a second goal.

The draw means that Cherries must win all of their remaining seven games in order to clinch the FA Women’s National League Division One South West, with a potential title decider against current league leaders Exeter City pencilled in for the last game of the season on Sunday, May 5.

Cherries are now eight points behind the Grecians, with two games in hand over Exeter.

Cuss explained: “We're very aware of what the difference between zero points and one point means in the run in.

“So we were pushing, pushing, pushing, and at least trying to get that one goal back that we needed to get the draw.

“So very pleased that we got that.

“Nice strike from Gemma to eventually beat the goalkeeper.

“We're pleased we've got that point.

“But obviously just disappointed with our overall performance and not getting the three points.”

Goalkeeper Charlotte Haynes was in inspired form for the away side, constantly proving equal to Cherries’ best efforts until she was beaten by Hillier’s low drive.

“The goalkeeper's a very good goalkeeper for them,” continued Cuss.

“We knew that and we'd worked on things during the week to try and navigate or negate her a little bit.

“It didn't really work out like that.

“We put a lot of crosses, towards her, but in truth, she made some really good saves and her handling was very impressive.

“She’s had a really good game and was a strong contender for the player of the match from their point of view.”