Match reportNational Premier League leaders Leeds Carnegie Ladies dropped to second on goal difference from Chelsea when they drew an entertaining but goal-less match at Sunderland.

Sunderland had taken all three points on their visit to Throstle Nest earlier in the season and were looking to do an early season double over the league leaders.

But Leeds had the same mission, and a lively start saw Ellen White fire into the Sunderland net in the 9th minute, only to ruled offside.

Leeds’s early pressure created chances but as they failed to capitalise on them, Sunderland saw their way back into the game and began to produce attacks of their own, culminating in a goal-line clearance by Jess Clarke in the 31st minute, after Carly Telford’s punched clearance from a Sunderland cross had failed to clear her lines.

The second half brought more of the same; White again unlucky after intercepting a Sunderland back-pass 12 yards out but only finding the side-netting; new-girl Laura Bassett’s powerful header producing a one-hander save from Sunderland keeper Rachel Laws; a last-ditch tackle stopping Carla Cantrell from capitalising on good work by Sue Smith; and two great save by Carly Telford from shots on the edge of the box.

Despite spending most of the final 15 minutes camped in the Sunderland half, Leeds were unable to make the breakthrough their effort deserved. For the neutral, it was an entertaining game, but both clubs slipped down one place in the table.

Leeds take a break from the league when they return to Throstle Nest on Sunday 1 November to face Blackburn Rovers Ladies in the quarter-final of the Premier League Cup, before hosting current league champions Arsenal on Sunday 8 November.