Chesterfield FC Women had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw against rivals Mansfield Town on Sunday afternoon in what was an evenly fought contest.
Mansfield took a first-half lead through Olivia Standeven, but Chesterfield equalised via an own goal in the second half, before Standeven was sent off late on.
Chesterfield moved four points clear at the top of the league, with second-placed Loughborough having played a game less.
It was Mansfield who started the game on the front foot, with Chesterfield struggling to match the pace of the tie.
However, in the 13th minute, the Spireites had the ball in the back of the net, but Laura Porritt’s celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.
The hosts adopted a direct style, and the pop towering Standeven was proving a handful for those in pink.
And it was Standeven who opened the scoring in the 20th minute.
After a long-range free kick crashed against the bar, Standeven was the first to react and headed home from three yards out.
Chesterfield had a chance to get back into the game just after the half-hour mark when the referee pointed to the spot after Chloe Foster was fouled.
In the absence of the usual penalty taker, Millie Standen, up-stepped Evie Carter, but the forward’s strike cannoned off the post.
Manager Pete Jarvis made a tactical tweak at the break, switching from a back five to a back four, which afforded Chesterfield more control in the second half.
Shanelle Ashtei lined up a free kick from 35 yards out, which forced Amy Price into an impressive diving save.
The Spireites continued to push, with an equaliser almost inevitable.
And with 15 minutes left to play, the scores were level.
Elin Morin scooped a cross into the area, which wasn’t dealt with, and was inadvertently turned into their own net by the Mansfield defender.
Not satisfied with a point, Chesterfield continued to launch wave after wave of attacks.
Carter and Morin both threatened with runs in behind, but the final pass was lacking.
Standeven, who had played a crucial role for Mansfield, was again involved late on; however, it was for the wrong reason this time, as she was issued a second yellow card for delaying the restart.
Despite the player advantage, Chesterfield was unable to capitalise and ultimately settled for a point apiece.
Up next, the Spireites welcome Gainsborough Trinity to Debdale with Pete Jarvis’ side eager to extend their unbeaten streak to ten games.
