Ladies held by Lionesses

West Ham United Ladies' Womens Tesco Premier League South title bid was slowed by a goalless draw at Millwall Lionesses on Sunday.

Julia Setford's side will be disappointed not to have picked up three points from their visit to south London, but the hosts more than played their part in an enthralling contest.

West Ham had the better of the first 45 minutes but, facing a Millwall side playing 4-5-1 formation meant that it became something of a battle in a congested midfield.

April Bowers came close on two occasions, with her best chance arriving when she was put through with a ball that split the Lionesses defence, only for her shot to be blocked by a defender.

In the latter stages of the half, the Hammers won a string of corners taken by Jess Barling. Her delivery caused plenty of problems for the Millwall defenders and on one occasion Barling nearly scored directly from her flag-kick, the ball hitting the far post before bouncing away to safety.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Millwall looking to attack on the break and West Ham dominating in terms of possession and territory.

However, the Hammers failed to capitalise on their superiority and nearly paid the price in the closing minutes when Millwall broke away down the right, but striker Kassia Viggor just failed to direct her header on target with the goal gaping.

Setford (pictured) and her players will hope to return to winning ways when they head to Keynsham Town on Sunday 6 November.