It was a clean sheet and a point for the Golden Girls at the weekend, as Gifton Noel-Williams’ side drew 0-0 with Blackburn Rovers Ladies in the FA Women’s Championship.

In a hard-fought encounter, neither team could find a way of breaking the deadlock at Kings Langley. Watford did have openings during the game, but ultimately had to settle for the draw.

The result ended a long-running streak of matches without a 0-0 for the Hornets. It had previously reached the 125 mark, with the last one prior to Sunday’s encounter more than six years ago.

After an encouraging display away at Liverpool last time out, there was only one change to the starting XI from that fixture.

Teyah Goldie signed earlier in the week, and she was immediately put into the line-up. Amber-Keegan Stobbs missed out after picking up a knock on Merseyside.

It was an even opening to the game, with the two teams looking to win possession high up the pitch and not allowing their opponents time to settle.

Around the midway point of the half, Watford were starting to get a bit more joy, with Helen Ward and Flo Fyfe both having shots off target.

Morgan Rogers and Corinne Henson then linked up down the right, with the latter’s teasing cross being claimed by Eleanor Heeps in the opposition goal.

Heeps then did well to get across quickly enough and make a good save to deny Fyfe at the back post.

It had been a largely quiet half for Georgie Ferguson down at the other end. She would have to be at her best to keep the game scoreless though, a pass was threaded through to Megan Hornby and she was superbly denied by the Watford stopper.

Goldie was looking solid in defence and in possession on debut, however in the closing stages of the first 45 she found herself in a more advanced position. She did superbly to find space for a cross which was then headed over by Ward.

Clear-cut opportunities were very much at a premium in the second half, with the two teams limiting chances for the other side.

Watford and Blackburn both had a few set-pieces to try and find an opener, however they were dealt with by the respective defences.

When shots were getting through, the two keepers were rarely called into action. Farah Crompton had a couple of efforts off target for the visitors, while Fyfe went close for the Hornets.

There were a couple of further half-chances late on. Annabel Blanchard shot wide for the away side, while Emma Beckett couldn’t quite direct Rosie Kmita’s cross on goal.

It might not have been the victory the team and coaching staff will have wanted, however it was a solid performance that secured a point and a long-awaited clean sheet.

The Golden Girls will now be looking to build on that when they travel to Charlton Athletic next (February 6), before returning home to face Lewes at The Orbital Fasteners Stadium (February 13) – tickets for that one are on sale now.