Waltham Forest ladies’ promotion bid suffered a blow on Saturday as they were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw against lowly Ashford in Division 2SE.

The result leaves Forest third in the table, two points behind Brentwood and needing a win when the teams meet on Saturday to climb into second place.

Forest squandered a number of chances in the first half with Katherine Abbie missing an open goal and Jenny Field unable to convert a handful of one-on-ones with the Ashford keeper.

The second period started in similar fashion but Forest found their finishing touch, scoring two goals within five minutes of the restart.

The first was a penalty flick won by Abbie and netted by Lucy Butcher. Abbie then turned scorer as she tapped in the second from close range to make it 2-0.

Forest started to tire as the half wore on and Ashford took full advantage, pulling one goal back before finding a late equaliser to rescue a draw.

The men’s team suffered a surprise 4-1 defeat to Harleston Magpies Seconds in East Premier B.

The Magpies hadn’t won in eight matches going into the game but some sloppy passing cost their opponents dear.

Ed Jackson scored the consolation.

Forest entertain Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday.