Middlesbrough Women lost 2-0 to league leaders Rugby Borough on Sunday afternoon in a match where Joe Lillie's side started brightly but couldn't maintain their early pressure.
Boro began with intent, with Ellie Christon firing a half-volley just wide of the post early on. Becky Ferguson also came close with a volleyed effort that was blocked wide of goal. Sarah Robson made a crucial sliding challenge to deny Rugby Borough a clear chance on the break.
Rugby Borough Take Control
After Boro's strong start, Rugby Borough grew into the game and took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Wiseman drove into the box and fired into the roof of the net. The visitors doubled their advantage as half-time approached, leaving Boro with a mountain to climb.
Joe Lillie made a change at the interval, introducing Niamh Boothroyd for Leanna Giles. With a two-goal lead, Rugby Borough controlled the second half comfortably. Ellen Turnbull replaced Sarah Robson on the hour mark as Boro struggled against the league's best defence.
Further substitutions followed for Boro, with Sarah Burn coming on for Ellen Packham with just over ten minutes remaining. Boothroyd came close to a consolation with a shot inches over the bar from a bouncing ball in the box, but Boro could not find a way through. A final change saw Bridget Galloway replace Christon three minutes from the end.
The defeat means Boro failed to stop Rugby Borough's unbeaten run this season.
