Barnet FC Ladies' eleven match unbeaten start to the season came to and end on Sunday, but they remain two points clear at the top of the South East Combination table. The Bees lost 1-2 to their nearest rivals Northampton Town at a rain soaked Hanwell Town.

Barnet took the lead after only 15 minutes of this eagerly awaited top-of-the table clash Stacey Sowden netted from close range after the Northampton defence had failed to clear Emma Treanor's shot from Beth Curtis' free kick.

However, the visitor's scored twice in the second half both from free kick's just outside the box and both netted by Northampton's influential captain Emma Beckett.

The defeat was undoubtedly a blow for the Bees, but with half of the season completed all is still to play for in the race for the single promotion place to the FA Women's Premier League.

This Sunday, Barnet FC Ladies entertain Dagenham & Redbridge in an FA Cup Second Round tie at Hanwell Town FC, kick-off 2.00pm.

South East Combination League Table

(up to and including 6/11/05)

P Pts

1. Barnet 11 28

2. Northampton Town 10 26

3. Colchester United 11 20

4. Ipswich Town 10 19

5. Enfield Town 11 16

6. Norwich City 11 14

7. Rushden & Diamonds 11 13

8. Gillingham 11 12

9. Leyton Orient 10 12

10. Dagenham & Redbridge 10 9

11. Sophtlogic 10 6