Watford Women sit top of their Continental Tyres League Cup group after securing a bonus point in a penalty shoot-out following a 2-2 draw in their opening tie at London City Lionesses.

Annie Rossiter gave the Golden Girls the lead in last night's tie, but the visitors fell behind and needed Coral Haines’ first goal for the club three minutes from the end of normal time to secure the draw.

The match then went to spot-kicks to decide the destiny of the bonus point, with Damon Lathrope’s side prevailing 8-7 to take them top of Group C that also includes Lewes and Crystal Palace.

Watford spent most of the opening 15 minutes in their own half, but took the lead with their first chance when Rossiter capitalised on a mistake at the back to slot home.

However, London City were soon rewarded for their early pressure through captain Lois Joel's equaliser.

The Hornets went close to retaking the lead before half-time when former Lioness Alli Palisch struck the bar with a half-volley, only to find themselves 2-1 down five minutes after the restart when Grace Neville beat Watford’s debutant goalkeeper Rebekah Dowsett.

Bianca Baptiste, making her first start of the season, was at the forefront of the visitors’ search for an equaliser, shooting wide when off balance after latching onto a lofted through ball.

Watford continued to knock on the door with substitute Haines hitting the bar, before she did open her account when Grace Moloney parried a Corinne Henson shot into her path.

Lucia Leon was the only Watford player to have a penalty saved in the shoot-out as seven of her teammates converted, with Neville’s miss taking the contest to a ninth taker.

Paige Satchell then fired wide for London City to ensure the visitors claimed the bonus point.