2 October 2005
Bristol Academy v Sunderland: Highlights
Bristol striker Kate Ward talks through the action in her side's 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

Charlton Athletic missed the chance to go top of The FA Nationwide Women's Premier League National Division yesterday, when they were held 1-1 at Leeds United.

Amanda Barr's 11th minute goal gave the Addicks the lead, but veteran striker Karen Walker converted a last-gasp penalty to level and deprive Charlton of top spot.

Doncaster Rovers Belles continued their great run and are now  just a point behind Everton after their 2-0 win at Birmingham City. Vicky Exley gave the Belles an early advantage, with Scottish international striker Pauline Hammil doubling the lead just short of the hour mark from a free-kick. In the 66th minute, City goalkeeper Sue Wood brilliantly saved an Exley penalty but Birmingham are still seeking their first win of the season.

Bristol Academy drew 1-1 with visiting Sunderland in TheFA.com's featured videoed game of the weekend. The Black Cats took the lead through Donna Lanaghan before Katy Ward levelled on 63 minutes.

Blackburn Rovers held on to the Northern Division top spot with a 3-1 defeat of Stockport County. All Rovers goals came in a 20 minute first-half spell, a brace from Katie Anderton added to by Sara McCrea. Suzanne Hunt replied for the visitors after 62 minutes.

Liverpool are in second on goal difference after a 2-0 win at Lincoln City. Jo Edwards opened the scoring and Gail Formston made the game safe with a second 19 minutes from the end. Nottingham Forest fall two points behind, after a goalless draw at Manchester City.

Newcastle United ended a run of two defeats with a much improved attacking performance against Curzon Ashton. Liz Baird opened the scoring for Ashton before Leanne McGee (pictured) levelled via the post. Lindsay McCubbin put the Toon 2-1 ahead but Curzon snatched a shock equaliser from Belinda Carter in the 80th minute, an unstoppable shot from 25 yards.

Tranmere Rovers are on the heels of fourth-placed Aston Villa, after recording a 3-2 win over the Villains. Katie Williams opened the scoring and a Vicky Abbot brace, incuding a spot-kick, saw Rovers build a 3-0 lead. Amber Quick soon replied but Natalie Courtney's late penalty left little time for an equaliser.

Portsmouth rose to the summit of the Southern Division with a 4-1 success at Crystal Palace. Fiona McMillan and kelly Baker took Pompey into a 2-0 lead, Natasha Randall got one back for Palace but Cassie Thorp notched a last-minute double.

Watford are down to second after being restricted to a point in a 1-1 draw with Millwall Lionesses. Helen Lander's goal for the Hornets was cancelled out by Dionne Lennon on 76 minutes.

Bristol City took the points in a 3-0 at Reading Royals win with goals from Sarah Roxburgh, Lizzie Barratt and Jo Johnson-Taylor.

Southampton Saints won the South Coast derby with Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1, to leave the Seagulls bottom. It was a last minute Sophie Kingsley-Smith penalty that dramatically settled the match.

West Ham United's 4-0 defeat of Langford saw them rise above their opponents into sixth spot. Vicky Bruce bagged a brace, with Sam Pittuck and Victoria Lewis also on target.