CHERRIES missed the chance to close the gap at the top of Division One South West in the FA Women’s National League, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Swindon Town.

With the top two sides in the league, Cardiff City and Exeter City, facing each other, it represented a chance for third-placed Cherries to gain some ground.

Cherries looked well set for all three points, in front of a crowd of 138 in Ringwood, thanks to a goal from substitute Katie James on 70 minutes.

However, Annabelle Colston soon equalised for the visitors as the spoils were shared.

Exeter saw off Cardiff to go top of the table on 31 points, a point clear of their Welsh challengers, with Cherries a further four points back.

Cherries boss Steve Cuss told the club’s website: “Overall, I was pleased with the performance.

“I thought we were good in attack and looked fairly solid defensively, so the all-round performance was good. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the win and conceded late on.

“We were better going forward this week than we have been in recent weeks and we looked like we were capable of scoring goals, although we were a little unlucky not to score more than one.”

Cherries host Portishead Town on Sunday.