Keighley Ladies beat Republica 3-2 in a thrilling league encounter.

After losing inthe cup to Sheffield and being beaten in the league by Knaresborough the team was desperate for a good result and Lauren Speight returned to the squad after a long lay off to give them an extra dimension up front.

Lindsey Munrow dominated midfield with her team mate Frances Nichol while Maria McArdle put pressure on Republica as she searched for an opening goal.

Defender Hannah Nichol was also on form as she kept the Republica attacks at bay.

The break came after 20 minutes when Republica thought theballhad gone out of play, but the linesman's flag didn't go up. Natasha Mulligan drove the ball across the goal and Becky Grainger tapped it home.

Republica hit back with a well placed shot inside the box as a mass of players fought for the ball.

They took the lead just before thalf time whena cross from the right was headed home.

Laura Speight came on to make her season's debut after the break, but it was maria McArdle who went close, hitting the bar.

In the 53rd minute a pass from Lindsey Munrow fell to Natasha Mulligan who sent the keeper the wrong way to equalise.

Late in the game Lauren Speight lobbed the ball over the Republica keeper to give Keighley a 3-2 victory.