Lydia Bedford saw Barnet Ladies secure a 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic in her first game in charge of the club.

The match, played at Thamesmead Town, started in disappointing fashion for the Bees who found themselves a goal down after 22 minutes.

Kit Graham broke the deadlock when she headed home Kim Dixon’s free-kick from just outside the 18-yard box.

Barnet responded well however and ended the first-half on top with Chontele Lawrence almost drawing the Bees level before Cherie Rowlands denied Graham.

The Bees picked up where they left off and drew level five minutes into the second-half when Rowlands latched on to Helen King’s deft header and slotted past the advancing keeper.

With 13 minutes remaining the Bees had an opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty following an Adick’s handball. 

Gemma Rudman stepped up but she was denied by a superb stop from Charlton keeper Megan Lynch.

Both sides went close to sealing a win late on as Renata Inniss went close for the Bees before Rowlands denied Gemma Shepherd with a flying stop.

Barnet Ladies are next in action against league leaders Sunderland in the FA Women’s Premier League National Division at Underhill on Sunday 10 March 2013 (kick-off 1pm).

Barnet: Rowlands, Trimnell , Wade, King, Reidy, Rudman, Sandow, Murphy, Sowden, Miller (Renata Inniss), Lawrence.

Subs not used: Brooke, Nunn.