LEADERS Leafield extended their lead at the top of the Midland Women's Combination League to six points with a win over second-placed Crewe.
Coach Danny Robb's side now have to take 16 of the 18 remaining points on offer to make their three games-in-hand pay dividends.
Leafield started brightly and a sublime lob over the advancing Kelly Roberts from Ward gave them the lead on 15 minutes.
Beth Ragdale had a headed goal ruled
out for a foul, but she made amends by getting the leveller just before the break.
Leafield went ahead through top-scorer Hannah Smith who unleashed a thunderous drive from 35 yards which Roberts could not keep out.
Substitutes Kate Halle, Georgia Key and Clair Webster came on to shake things up but as Crewe pressed Ward scored on the counter to seal the win.
Crewe host Leicester City on Saturday at the Vagrants Sports Ground.
