MFC Ladies 1 Sheffield Wednesday LFC 1

BORO still top the league thanks to Nicky Duckling's vital equaliser but it's incredibly tight at the top as the season reaches a thrilling climax.

It was honours even at Central Avenue, Billingham, in their first of two meetings in three weeks between the sides.

The result leaves Wednesday in third place, nine points behind but with four games in hand, while Leeds City Vixens are second, trailing by eight points and with three games in hand.

And just to add to the tension, Boro, who have led the way all season, face their two closest rivals in the final two games of the campaign.

With both teams unbeaten in 2007 a close game was expected but MFC Ladies will have been more disappointed not to claim all three points.

The home side Boro dominated the opening half hour but disaster struck in 36th minute when Becky O' Brien underhit a pass back a Wednesday player nipped in to score.

But just 38 seconds later Boro were level with a superb strike from Nicky Duckling (pictured), who smashed the ball into the top of the net from the edge of the penalty area.

The quickfire leveller shook Wednesday and Boro attacked strongly, keeping the visitors in their own half right up to half-time as Duckling, Jess Close and Abby Lyle all went close.

The visitors fought back after the interval but O'Brien and Clare Helm were outstanding in defence, while Duckling caused all kinds of problems every time she got the ball.

Boro grew in strength as the game progressed and created a succession of chances.

On the hour mark Jess Close was played through for a one on one with the keeper but was unable to convert, the keeper saving bravely at her feet.

Duckling sped past a couple of defenders into the box but was unable to shoot or lay the ball off and then Jane Shepherd's header was cleared off the line.

"I was very disappointed with the result but not with my team's performance," said boss Marrie Wieczorek.

"This makes winning the league and promotion much less certain than it looks on paper, with both Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds City Vixens having several games in hand."

The two remaining fixtures are away to Wednesday on April 15 and at home to Leeds City Vixens, date to be confirmed.