Women's football: Birmingham City move second after draw

A 1-1 draw with Bristol Academy edged Birmingham City into second place in the Women's Super League table.

Striker Jodie Taylor shot the Blues in front but Bristol front runner Natasha Harding levelled the scores, both goals coming early in the first half.

The result lifted Academy up to third place with the two clubs level on points but eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Blues bossed the early stages and in the 13th minute only a tremendous Siobhan Chamberlain save prevented midfielder Jade Moore from netting the opener.

The home side went close again three minute later, midfielder Jo Potter firing in a 25 yard shot that rebounded off the crossbar.

The pressure paid off in the 18th minute as Taylor met a through ball to slide an angled 12-yard shot inside the far post.

But the lead was short-lived, Harding chasing a 22nd minute clearance out of the visitors' defence to loop the ball over advancing goalkeeper Marie Hourihan.

Boosted by the equaliser, Academy enjoyed more possession towards half-time and then twice might have gone in front in the early stages of the second period.

Harding had a 53rd minute close range effort cleared off the line by winger Karen Carney following a Fishlock corner.

Three minutes later Spanish striker Laura del Rio worked her way into the penalty area but sent her 15-yard shot against the near post.

Both sides had chances to win the game in the final half-hour, but wayward finishing meant that neither goalkeeper was stretched.