St Albans Ladies travelled to Hemel Hempstead for a top-of-the-table clash that ended all-square on Sunday, with both sides taking the lead during an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Kayla Johnson gave the Lady Saints the lead early in the first half before goals from Kayleigh Baker and Natasha McConville put the home side in front.

Johnson levelled the scoring before half-time with her second of the match before a second-half stalemate ensured both teams picked up a point.

The Lady Saints were good value for their lead, with Hemel goalkeeper Ruth Gorin called into action from the outset, with efforts from both Cally Salter and Sophie Hull both demanding attention.

There was a touch of fortune about the opening goal when it finally arrived, as a pass from Holly Williams caused confusion in the box and Gorin and one of her defenders got in one another’s way, giving Johnson the simple task of putting the ball into the empty net.

Ellie Lovelock ought to have made it 2-0 moments later when she benefited from some clever work on the wing from Ellen Salter, only to fire over from close range while Gorin was on hand again to deny Holly Rossington.

St Albans were soon made to pay for their misses when Hemel went ahead with two quick-fire efforts.

Baker levelled the scoring with a long-range effort that flew over Croucher’s head and into the net off the underside of the bar before McConville made the most of Molly Slade’s slip to race clear and score, with her strike also grazing the woodwork on its way in.

The visitors remained determined to get something from the game and Williams showed Hemel they were not out of the match with a strike that forced Gorin into another sharp save.

However, there was little the goalkeeper could do to prevent Johnson from getting her second before the half-time whistle.

Ellen Salter’s cross-field pass picked out the winger, who collected it with a deft touch before lashing the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Both sides settled for a point, with no goals following the break.