WANDERERS Ladies were denied a battling point at Brighouse Town by the width of a crossbar.

After picking up a win against Leeds United in their opening fixture, Chris Knights’ side raced into an early lead thanks to a clinical strike from Shel Saunders – restored up front after last week’s stint in the back four.

The lead lasted just two minutes as Jodie Redgrave’s equaliser triggered a period of domination for the Yorkshire side – who bagged another three goals before the half-time interval to lead 4-1.

Charlotte Proud led the onslaught, tapping in Amy Beresford’s cross at the far post, before Becky Kendell struck one off the underside of the bar from 35 yards.

A third goal in 11 minutes arrived when Redgrave claimed her second - another one from distance - leaving Wanderers well and truly on the ropes.

Given an opportunity to restore order there was much improvement after the break as Millie Critchley added some extra strength in the middle of the park.

Saf Newhouse’s left-footed effort brought the Whites back into it before Mitch Kirkman-Ryan nodded home Chloe Fell’s parried free-kick to make the score 4-3 with 16 minutes left on the clock.

Wanderers had started to pass the ball out from the back, akin to the manager’s gameplan, and were starting to sense they could still snatch a point.

Newhouse missed a good chance created by Kirkman-Ryan and had another late effort saved well by the Brighouse keeper.

Saunders also had a late free-kick rattle the crossbar as the equalising goal just wouldn’t go in.

Hoping to continue in the same vein as the second half, Wanderers Ladies go into the Premier League Cup on Sunday, facing Leicester Ladies.