BROOKLANDS Poynton Ladies remain top of the Conference North League but their defeat at second-placed Beeston cut their lead to one point with one game of the season remaining.

Brooklands Poynton travelled to their nearest rivals knowing a draw would secure the North Conference title and book a place in the end-of- season play-offs. With a 15-point gap to third-placed Durham University it really was a game of the division’s two dominant sides.

Brooklands started the stronger and controlled the opening exchanges with the ball being moved around the pitch at pace.

But it was Beeston who opened the scoring with an excellent goal against the run of play, captain Sophie Robinson expertly deflecting first time into the goal.

With heavy rain falling Brooklands weathered a period of uncertainty with Beeston controlling the midfield and dominating possession for long periods.

Brooklands started to turn the momentum their way and in a rare foray forward were rewarded after fine work from Aine Curran, who undercut a strong backhand shot at goal. Great Britain under-21 keeper Fran Taylor could only palm the ball into the air and in the ensuing melee Annie Mills bundled the ball over the line to level the scores.

A well-worked short corner restored beeston’s lead in the second half, Rosy Stephens providing the vital finish.

That goal was quickly followed by another as Beeston turned the screw with another from a short corner to make it 3-1.

With Brooklands on the ropes they were looking for a strong show of character and as they had throughout the season, responded with Tor Hughes scoring on a rebound to make the score 3-2 with 17 minutes to play.

Brookland were now in the ascendancy and enjoying the majority the ball but with time ticking away they gambled, taking off goalkeeper Maud Lelkens to go all-out for an equaliser.

Fortune did not favour the brave though, as Beeston took the spoils with a fourth goal in the final minute to seal a 4-2 victory.

Brooklands welcome neighbours Timperley this Saturday for their final match of the season.

With Brooklands looking to secure the title and Timperley fighting for their survival it promises to be an exciting conclusion.

Push back is at 2pm and entry is free for all spectators.