A calm and clever lob from Carly Johns on her debut earned Watford a point as they drew their first game back in the Barclays Women’s Championship 1-1 with Durham at Grosvenor Vale.

Damon Lathrope’s first teamsheet of the new league season had a fresh look about it with Johns, Coral Haines, Olivia Clark and Lucia Leon making their debuts.

There was also a first appearance for Harley Bennett, who captained the team in place of the injured Megan Chandler.

Later in the game Abbie Lafayette came on as a substitute to register her first Watford appearance while there was a ‘second debut’ for Corinne Henson from the bench as she returned to the club after a spell at Charlton Athletic.

It was a nightmare start for the Golden Girls though, as they went behind after just two minutes.

Saoirse Noonan’s inventive through ball broke through the Watford backline and, in the game’s first attack, Mollie Lambert slotted past goalkeeper Clark to take an early lead in Ruislip, cutting onto her left foot and side-footing in at the near post.

Leon went close for Watford before turning creator for Haines to send a shot just wide of the upright.

It was former Crystal Palace midfielder Haines who set up the 34th-minute equaliser in fine style. Taking a pass inside her own half she looked up and floated a through ball behind the Durham defence and into the path of the breaking Johns.

As Durham keeper Naoisha McAloon raced out of her area, Johns had a touch to get the ball under control and then lifted it over her and into the net despite two defenders trying to clear off the line.

Watford Observer: Lucia Leon making her Watford debut.Lucia Leon making her Watford debut. (Image: Andrew Waller Images)

Watford upped the pace after the break and Poppy Wilson forced a save from close range before Gemma Davison twice went close.

At the other end of the Durham’s Jess Clarke rattled the crossbar but it was Amy Andrews who went closest for the visitors, rounding Clark only for her effort to hit the wrong side of the post.

Having waited seven games for a first point in their last Championship spell back in 2021/22, the Hornets earned a hard-fought draw on the opening day this time around.

Next Sunday they travel to face London City Lionesses at Princes Park, Dartford (kick-off 1pm).

Watford: Clark; Leon (Lafayette 90+1), McLean, Davison (Rossiter 81), Johns, Bennett, Georgiou, Wilson, Fyfe (Baptiste 63), Haines (Head 81), Henson. Subs: Dowsett, Palisch.