BATTLING Wilberfoss defied the odds to prise a defiant 2-2 draw against visiting Poppleton in the City of York Girls Football League.

Last season’s league and cup winners, Poppleton have won four out of four games this term.

Poppleton went close in the opening minutes, while for the hosts Ellie Parkin forced a corner at the other end.

Then, twice within a five-minute period, Foss had to defend well through left-back Poppy Clancey and midfielder Alex Harvey.

The free-flowing encounter truly sprang to life in the last five minutes of the first half when Wilberfoss took the lead.

From a corner on the right, striker Syd Greening rose to confidently glance in a header.

Unfortunately, home celebrations were choked as Poppleton restored parity from a corner.

The start of the second half brought more Wilberfoss woe.

An attack down the right was initially defended, but the ball broke to a Poppleton raider who forced the ball over the line.

The game could have been beyond Wilberfoss a minute later but for the intervention of full-back Alice Ella who diverted another attack away for a corner.

Wilberfoss’s resilience and confidence came to the fore and a Jess Aston shot was parried.

The home pressure was eventually rewarded when Greening shot after cutting in from the left. The rebound fell to Jess Wills who calmly netted the equaliser.

With just three minutes to go player of the match Georgia Stanton made a brilliant save to ensure Wilberfoss held out and claimed a valuable share of the points.