Cambridge City women: 1

Sevenoaks women: 2

THIS wasn't a vintage Sevenoaks performance by any stretch of the imagination, but with leaders Ipswich dropping points at lowly Northampton, the win has opened the door at the top of the table once again, writes Glenn Garrett.

Goals from Cathy Gilliat-Smith and Beth Begg gave Oaks the three points and coach Sue Chandler says her team will keeping fighting for the title until the very end.

"It's going to be tough for us," Chandler said.

"We've lost to Ipswich twice in the season, so are fortunate to still be in it at all.

"When we lost to them the second time we said all we can do is win the rest of the games and see what happens – that is what we are doing."

Chandler, who took over coaching duties in the summer, admits the team has exceeded her own expectations this season.

"They were certainly lacking confidence when I took over, but were positive and willing to learn.

"I introduced some new things like fitness testing and they have embraced it. They have a willingness to work and work hard.

"The aim when I took over was to get into mid-table, so to be pushing for promotion is fantastic."

The game at the weekend was very open in the early stages, with play seeming to consist of a succession of counterattacks.

But as the match settled, Oaks had more stable periods of possession and plenty of attacking opportunities.

Midway through the half, Cathy Gilliat-Smith put Oaks in front with a well struck shot from the top of the D.

Oaks continued to find space to attack, but basic errors in ball control and lost footing often hindered success. In the second half, Oaks tried to lift their performance.

Man of the match Liz Key was the driving force in the heart of midfield, and led the way with her recovery of possession and linking of play.

Oaks went close to extending their lead on a number of occasions.

Fiona Harland had a shot deflected onto the post and Gilliat-Smith was deprived by a foul tackle, after a beautiful threaded pass from Katy Barnett put her through on goal.

Oaks eventually doubled their lead when Beth Begg scored her third goal in as many games, when her first time shot rocketed into the goal.

However, City responded almost immediately and reduced the deficit with a close range finish into the net.

As the final minutes of the game counted down, City searched for the equaliser, their best opportunities coming on the break.

Oaks had a lucky escape when City found the net at a short corner, but the shot had been struck too high.

The game finished 2-1 and with leaders Ipswich faltering against Northampton, the gap at the top has now been reduced to two points.

Oaks will be looking to keep the pressure on the leaders with a win in their next match, which takes place at 12.30pm on Saturday at Hollybush Lane.

"We can't take anything for granted," Chandler said.

"The message for us is no complacency. There are no easy games in this league, but if we get our core skills right, we should win."