Watford Ladies stuttered in their hunt for the Southern Premier Division title as they were held to a 1-1 away draw by struggling Queens Park Rangers.

Jo Wilson scored early on to give the hosts a flying start, but Helen Ward’s penalty secured a point against the R’s, who also had Hollie Hogan sent off late on.

The home side took the lead inside the first minute as Wilson’s delivery from a corner looped past everybody and nestled in at the far post to give Rangers an unexpected lead.

Watford were being dominated in terms of possession and they were lucky to not fall further behind as Wilson, Courtnay Ward-Chambers and Roschelle Shakes all spurned good opportunities.

Confusion then ensued as QPR felt they should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on Ward-Chambers, only for the referee to not give it and instead book Wilson.

Then, moments later, home goalkeeper Kinga Golebiowski was adjudged to have fouled Ward, who scored a hat-trick in the previous game against Portsmouth, and she stepped up to fire the Hornets level.

The hosts continued to threaten after the break but neither side could break each other down and Watford were forced to settle for a point that sees them drop to fourth in the table.

The ladies’ next game sees them travel to Loughborough Foxes Women on Sunday, February 24 with kick off at 2pm.