Chichester City Ladies FC in association with Chichester College

CHI LADIES ASSURED OF AT LEAST SECOND PLACE IN PREMIER LEAGUE

Chichester City Ladies have secured a minimum of second place in the South East Counties Premier League after a captivating match against Bexhill United in what may prove to be the last league match of the season. Chichester started the game brightly with several well worked attacks, the majority of which came through Willet on the left flank. It seemed as though Bexhill would once again put up a tough fight as their physicality and outstanding goal keeping kept the Chi girls out. Soon a Parker set piece was flicked on at the near post and Pike pounced to take the lead. This was followed by Shrubb who netted with a cool finish to put the away side into the driving seat at half time. Early in the second half Bexhill were awarded a penalty for a hand ball and the ball was smashed home. At 2-1 up Chichester were playing their best football of the season and yet Bexhill would not give up the chase. On the 73^rd minute the pressure became too much and the floodgates opened. Chichester’s goals flooded in with Streeter and Shrubb adding to their season’s tallies. Shrubb soon completed her hat trick with a sensational strike from 30 yards which lobbed the keeper and hit the roof of the net. Thompson returned from injury and came of the bench to seal the game late on with a determined volley from close range. The momentum is there and now needs to be carried into the cup final to cap a sensational season.

Report written by Matt Wright

Chichester Team: Bernard, Paul, Maher (A), Maher (R), Parker, Pike, Streeter, Madden, Willet, Shrubb, Thompson, Spencer, Hughes Jones.
Subs: -
Scorers: Pike, Shrubb (3), Streeter, Thompson
 

CHI LADIES WHACK ANCHORIANS WITH SIX OF THE BEST

Chichester remained on course for promotion with a to class performance against Anchorians. What should have been a formality became and arduous task as Chichester struggled to find their form in the first half of the match, the visiting team from Kent were proving a tough nut to crack. After 26 minutes a sensational through ball from Steeter found Pike in the box with time on her hands, she smashed the ball home from close range. Before long the Anchorians pressure forced a penalty which levelled things up. Chichester regained the lead when a well worked corner saw Amber Maher out jump the crowd to neatly head home. The second half was another story, Chichester stepped up a gear and dominated possession. The highlight of the match came from a neatly worked move down the left flank, an accumulation of seven passes resulted in a neat finish from Shrubb taking her match total to two. A further two goals soon followed: firstly Parker scored direct from a corner and to finish Streeter took a quick free kick from 30 yards and caught the keeper off her line, a great goal. All now hinges on the final league match to see if the girls can move up into the next division.

Report written by Matt Wright

Chichester Team: Bernard, Parker, Maher (R), Maher (A), Paul, Spencer, Pike, Streeter, Willet, Shrubb, Crook, Walker.
Subs: -
Scorers: Pike, Maher, Shrubb (2), Parker, Streeter
 

LADIES UP TO SECOND IN THE S.E. COUNTIES LEAGUE

Chichester City maintained their pressure on the top of the South East Counties Premier League with a game that was all but over after 1 minute 45 seconds. Shrubb had her shooting boots on and caught the travelling team with two quick fire goals that settled the tie before it had started. To Eastbourne’s credit they continued to battle and never made Chichester’s life easy. With Streeter and several other first team players absent it was down to Madden (woman of the match) to take control of the side. She dominated play in the middle of the park and linked well with double goal scorer Pike. Bourn tried her best to add to the score line but was denied on several occasions by some outstanding goal keeping and it took the powerful strikes of Shrubb to take her tally to four. The ball was moved around well across the back line throughout the match and Parker linked up well with Spencer to penetrate the left side of the pitch. Most notably Garner and Thurgood stepped up from the reserves and played key roles in securing the victory demonstrating the strength and depth in the squad. Promotion prospects remain in Chichester’s hands, with seven games left there could still be some twists in this tale.

Report written by Matt Wright

Chichester Team: Bernard, Garner, Maher (A), Maher (R), Parker, Spencer, Pike, Madden (c), Crook, Shrubb, Bourn.
Subs: Thurgood (45), Clarke (78), Cole (83) Horne
Scorers: Shrubb (4), Pike (2)
 

TWO WINS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE AS LADIES BEAT WHITEHAWK

Chichester Ladies travelled to Brighton in an unusual fixture that would settle two results over 90 minutes. The match against Whitehawk counted for a league game as well as a cup semi final.

This top of the table clash was set to be a great game with both sides battling hard for every ball. Chichester took an early lead with a great individual effort from Bourn who smashed home from close range.

One of many obscure refereeing decisions gave Whitehawk a free kick to close to the Chichester 18 yard box, after a scrappy attempt to clear the ball Bernard was beaten.

This was to prove to be the last time as the keeper was sensational from this point onwards. Soon Chichester regained the lead when Parker delivered in an outstanding corner which Pike snuck in on the back post.

The second half became a one sided affair as the Chichester girls added to their tally with Bourn, Shrubb and Streeter all scoring. The match was won through hard work and determination proving that Chichester are able to scrap when needed.

It will be a great end to the season as the Chi girls close down the top spot and now have a cup final to look forward to.

Report written by Matt Wright

Chichester Team: Bernard, Paul, Maher (A), Maher (R), Parker, Willet, Streeter (c), Madden, Pike, Bourn, Shrubb.
Subs: Spencer (75), Crook (84)
Scorers: Bourn (2), Pike, Shrubb, Streeter
 

CHI LADIES KEEP COMPOSURE TO BEAT EASTBOURNE IN CUP

Chichester City travelled away to Eastbourne Town to play in the second round of the SEC League cup. Injuries left the travelling team with only one substitute in what would prove to be a very testing cup tie.

The away side were slow out of the blocks for much of the first half and struggled to find a way through the resilient Eastbourne defence. Although Chichester had much of the possession few chances fell in the box.

Willet and Paul linked up well down the left flank to cause the home side problems and Pike went close on two occasions.

The second half was a different story, Streeter and Madden led the charge and the pressure was put on the home side. As the teams camped put in the Eastbourne half Shrubb forced a fantastic save from the Eastbourne keeper.

Pressure continued and penalty shouts were denied, the match stood a 0-0 after full time. In extra time Chichester continued to apply pressure and eventually Willet won a penalty. Shrubb blasted home to with a sensational strike into the side netting.

Out of frustration the Eastbourne side put in late and high tackles and also saw a player sent off for lashing out at Spencer. Chichester kept their cool and will progress through to the next round.

Report written by Matt Wright

Chichester Team: Bernard, Spencer, A Maher, R Maher, Paul, Madden, Streeter (c), Pike, Willet, Bourn, Shrubb.
Subs: Hughes, Jones
Scorers: Shrubb
 

RESERVES REACH SUSSEX FINAL AFTER EXTRA TIME

Chichester controlled the possession keeping the ball away from Eastbourne but failed to create many chances. Pressure came from Chichester set pieces as the wind was playing a major part the attempts failed and the half ended 0-0.

The second period saw Eastbourne come out on the attack, a great piece of individual play form the Eastbourne striker forced the referee to award a penalty to Eastbourne which was placed in the bottom corner.

This fired the Chichester side up and Smith forced two quick saves from the Eastbourne keeper. Cole also forced a mistake out of the defence which enabled Horne to slot home from close range.

Eastbourne began to counter attack but failed to capitalise and the game was forced onto extra time. Extra time was completely controlled by Chichester  as their fitness showed when Clarke put the away side ahead for the first time.

Woman of the match Smith wrapped thing up to make it 3-1 and to send Chichester to the final on Thursday night which is to be played at Crawley Down football club at 1930hrs.

Chichester Team: Evans, Walker, Leogue, Ritchie, Smith, Garner, Thorpe, Thurgood (c), Cottam, Horne, Cole.
Subs: Clarke (2), Smith
Scorers: Horne
 

CHICHESTER LADIES DEMOLISH LEAGUE TOPPERS

Chichester completed the longest ‘away day’ of the season on Sunday after travelling to Gillingham to play the top of the league side, Anchorians.

Fortunately the journey was not in vein. Straight from kick off Chichester completed a eleven successful passes which moved the ball from the striker, right across the back line and ended up with Willet deep in the opponents half.

This set the tone for the match as Chichester dominated and only an outstanding performance from the Anchorians keeper was enough to keep Streeter and Shrubb at bay. With the right hand side of the park crowded out much of the best play came from the on form pairing of Parker and Willet.

Inevitably the time came and after a neat flick on from Willet, Shrubb found herself in the penalty box where she slotted home a well placed goal. With Anchorians offering little in terms of a threatening attack Chichester soon capitalised and Shrubb secured her second.

The second half continued well for the travelling side as Thompson attacked a ball in the box she was brought down. Parker slotted home the resultant penalty. Spencer entered play from the bench and Jimmy Maher stepped up into centre mid.

The super sub scored yet again and it was only a matter of time before Shrubb blasted the ball into the bottom corner to complete her hatrick.

Report written by Matt Wright

Chichester Team: Bernard, Paul, Parker, A Maher, R Maher, Thompson, Pike, Madden, Willet, Streeter ©, Shrubb.
Subs: Spencer (51), Crook (62)
Scorers: Shrubb (3), Spencer, Parker
 

CHICHESTER DOMINATE BUT FAIL TO BEAT BEXHILL

As Chichester City’s reserve fixture was cancelled all eyes were on the contest between the first team and Bexhill at Oaklands Park on Sunday. After a long period without a game the Chichester girls soon found their passing form and posed immediate danger on the Bexhill goal with both Bourn and Streeter blasting shots narrowly high.

The midfield pairing of Pike and Madden worked tirelessly whilst the back line were rarely troubled. A well worked set piece saw Maher (A) go close but Chichester were once again struggling to find a break through. The second half continued in the same vein until the introduction of Shrubb.

With a new lease of life she soon put the home team one nil up. Several chances followed and the game was there for the taking until a rare Bexhill attack then caught Chichester napping and the striker neatly slotted home to equalise. Many more chances followed for Chi but they failed to capitalize and the game finished 1-1.

Report written by Matt Wright

Chichester Team: Bernard, Crook, Maher R, Maher A, Paul, Madden, Pike, Thompson, Bourn, Streeter (c), Subs Shrubb (51), Horne (76), Leogue
Scorers: Shrubb
 

FLIPPING ADUR: CITY LADIES LOSE IN SUSSEX SENIOR CUP

After 6 weeks without a match Chichester’s first team crashed out of the county cup against a resilient Adur Athletic. Chichester started the game brightly and dominated play throughout the entire match.

The girls moved the ball around well with Steph Madden and Laura Streeter at the heart of much of the play. Parker and Paul were linking up well and causing problem down the left flank.

With the Adur goal under siege it seemed there could only be one result. Pike, Streeter and Bourn all went close in the first half. It was Adur that made the break through with two quick goals before the whistle against the run of play.

Chichester stuck to the game plan and pulled the two goals back promptly through Streeter and Bourn. Then Adur showed their true colours and dug in to prevent Chichester getting a third, they tackled and blocked every effort to force the game to extra time.

The game continued in a similar vein with Chichester throwing everything Adur goal. To their credit Adur dug in once more and scored a sensational winner to clinch the match

Report written by Matt Wright

Chichester Team: Bernard, Crook (Spencer), Parker, Maher A, Maher R, Willet, Streeter (1) ©, Madden, Bourn (1), Pike, Paul.
Scorers: Streeter, Bourn
 

UNLUCKY THIRTEEN FOR WORTHING TOWN

Chichester started this County Cup match in typical form and seemed to have an upper hand in what was otherwise a fairly even opening 20 minutes.

The break through came on 30 minutes when a mazy run from Thurgood set up Horne for a simple tap in. The second soon followed with an identical replica of the first goal.

Thurgood continued her fine form and scored a superb individual effort to make it 3-0. On her last ever game for Chichester Emma Evans slotted home the fourth just before half time.

A change in goal allowed Shrubb to come in up front, soon the goals started pouring in. Soon every attack seemed to result in a goal for Chichester as they dominated the match. Chi finished the game with 2 players on hat-tricks and one player with 4 goals to her name.
 

SHRUBB SCORES HAT-TRICK AS SECOND STRING BEAT EASTBOURNE

Ist Half: Chichester controlled the game from the off keeping possession in the Eastbourne half giving Shrubb a couple of early opportunities before she lifted the ball over the out rushing Eastbourne keeper to make it 1-0 on 18 minutes. Eastbourne struggled to get into the game but had an opportunity just before half time which produced a cracking save from “The Monk” in Chichester goal to keep the lead.

2^nd Half: Chichester came out ready for more goals Shrubb getting her second after a great pass by Thurgood. Osbourne had two attempts on goal before Shrubb and Thurgood linked well together and Thurgood smashed the ball into the top of the net to get Chichester’s third goal. As Eastbourne tried to get consolation Abbey Shrubb sealed her hatrick once again another great ball from Women of the Match Dana Thurgood. A late save from Evans ensured a clean sheet and a fine victory for Chichester.

Report written by Elle Henry

Chichester Team: C.Evans, Walker, Paul, Thorpe, Leogue, Horne, Smith (c), Cottam, Osbourne, (65 Richie) Thurgood (WoM), Shrubb.
Scorers: Thurgood, Shrubb (3)
 

LADIES REACH QUARTER FINALS OF CHALLENGE CUP

Chichester City Ladies limped their way into the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup this weekend after Eastbourne Borough left the Chichester girls with several injuries. The match started brightly with Chichester making nine consecutive passes from the centre resulting in a shot.

Two minutes later Steph Madden found herself on the edge of the box unmarked and unleashed a shot off the inside of her right boot into the back of the net. Soon after a bullish Eastbourne left Parker, Streeter and Bourn all needing treatment.

With only one sub Chichester were forced to put several player out of position whilst Streeter played on with concussion. Never the less the home side continued to dominate play and soon into the second half a deflected cross resulted in an Eastbourne own goal.

Steph Madden and Sally Bourn controlled the midfield whilst the Maher twins kept the back line tight. On the 68th minute debutant Spencer spotted the keeper off her line and lofted the ball over her head from 30 yards.

Chichester will meet Adur Athletic Ladies in the quarter finals.

Report written by Matt Wright

Chichester Team: Bernard, Parker, Maher (A), Maher (R), Crook, Spencer, Eastment (WOM), Streeter, Bourn, Madden, Pike, Sub: Thompson (45 mins)
Scorers: Spencer, Madden, OG
 

CHICHESTER LADIES II COME FIGHTING BACK

Ist Half: Shrubb had an early opportunity as usual Chichester started the game on top. Rottingdean then took possession and started to play some good football having several opportunities which were denied by Evans in the Chichester goal. Rottingdean were unlucky with a long range effort which bounced off both posts into the grateful arms of Evans. Rottingdean finally successfully took the lead just before half time.

2^nd Half: After a strong half time talk Chichester came out and played some excellent football Emma Evans capitalising on a fumble by the goalkeeper to equalise on 50 minutes. Chichester started to control the game but Rottingdean held on to take the game to extra time.

Extra Time: Both teams were getting tired until Abbey Shrubb’s free kick made it 2-1 to Chichester with 10 minutes to go. Rottingdean rose to the challenge equalising with 5 minutes to go, making penalties look inevitable, until Emma Evans scored her second from a corner securing Chichester’s 3-2 victory with 30 seconds to go.

Chichester ladies showed great fighting spirit and professionalism in a job very well done.

Report written by Elle Henry

Chichester Team: C. Evans, Walker, Thorpe, Garner (C), Leogue, Richie, (Osbourne 90’) Smith, Cottam, Clarke, E. Evans, Shrubb
Scorers: Evans (2), Shrubb
 

CHI LADIES DROP TWO POINTS AT HOME TO WHITEHAWK

Chichester City Ladies remain undefeated in the league after a tough match against Whitehawk Ladies ended in a draw.

Chichester were slow out of the blocks and allowed the visiting team to gain a strong foothold in the early stages of the match.

With much of the play occurring in Chichester's half Whitehawk soon won a corner. A driven ball into the box deflected into the back of the net off an unsuspecting Sally Bourn.

This brought the Chi girls to life and the final 20 minutes of the half saw Streeter, Willet, Bourn and the tenacious Thompson all come close.

Whitehawk came out fighting and the game levelled out throughout the second half. It was Chichester who looked the stronger and soon Thompson bullied a player off the ball to drive a cross into Bourn who slotted the ball home.

The rest of the match became an end to end battle with both teams searching for the winner. Soon Streeter made a run into the box and won the home side a penalty, unfortunately the Captain failed to convert the chance and the game ended 1-1.

Chichester Team: Bernard, Parker, Maher (A), Maher (R), Cole, Pike, Madden, Streeter (c), Willet, Thompson. Subs: Eastment (65 min) Leogue (78 min)
Scorers: Bourn
 

BELOW PAR CHI STILL TOO STRONG FOR EASTBOURNE

Chichester City Ladies put out a lacklustre performance against an aggressive Eastbourne team at Priory Lane this Sunday.

Throughout the first half many of the Chichester team were well below par yet they dominated possession and applied pressure on the Eastbourne goal. 

Paul rattled the cross bar with a 30 yard left foot shoot and Willet penetrated the box with several mazy runs only to be denied by the keeper. 

Regardless of the pressure the teams went in 0-0 at half time. 

A rejuvenated Chichester stepped out onto the park for the second half and increased the tempo of the game.

On the 51st minute Eastbourne hade a rare attack and won a corner, Chichester defended the first ball but failed to reorganise as three players remained unmarked in the box for the return cross.

A great save form Bernard was not enough as Eastbourne pounced on the rebound to take a 1-0 lead. 

This was the fuel Chichester required.

They stepped up another level and soon Streeter broke into the box only to be fouled by the Eastbourne centre half.

She slotted the resultant penalty home.

Continued pressure lead Thompson to hook a ball in the back of the net soon after.

Late pressure was defended well and Chichester came away with three points ironically off the back of the worst performance yet this season. 

Chichester Team: Bernard, Pennington, Maher, R, Maher, A, Parker, Madden, Streeter, Willet, Paul, Thompson, Bourn.
Subs: Crook (65 mins)
Scorers: Streeter, Thompson
 

CHICHESTER LADIES STUNG BY CRAWLEY WASPS IN FA CUP 

After a week of illness and injury Chichester City Ladies gathered themselves to play the first round of the FA Cup against Crawley Wasps at Three Bridges FC this weekend.

From the outset it was clear this would be a closely fought battle as the teams cancelled each other out for the first 45 minutes.

The Maher twins kept things secure at the back with Rosie Maher finding a new lease of life over the past two matches.

The best chance of the half fell to Laura Pike after a volley from Megan Thompson was blocked on the near post Pike struck the ball agonisingly over the cross bar.

The second half saw both teams pushing for a goal.

It was Crawley who got the break through after a shot rebounded off Bernard and fell in the path of the ever ready Crawley striker.

Chichester pressed well in search for an equaliser with much of the attack coming through Sarah Pennington.

With 15 minutes left Chichester went for bust playing three at the back and pushing Parker into the front line.

This left Chichester exposed at the back and they conceded two late goals leaving Crawley with a rather flattering 3-0 score line.

Chichester Team: Bernard, Parker, Pennington, R Maher, A Maher, Horne, Streeter, Willet, Crook, Pike, Thompson.
Subs: Paul (45), Talbot (75)
Scorers: -
 

CHICHESTER LADIES UNDONE BY LATE CORINTHIANS GOAL 

Chichester travelled to London looking to maintain their 100% record and as the match progressed it seemed certain that they would do so. Laura Streeter and Kirsty Willet combined in the middle of the pitch to dominate play with a range of short and long passes.

The rest of the team moved the ball around and dominated possession. Then off a corner Amber Maher scored her first goal of the season with a bullet header that put the visiting team one up. This was soon followed by another as Willet pounced on a lose ball to toe poke home just before the end of the first half.

The rest of the game played out with Chichester holding possession and missing many opportunities that they would later regret. On 80 minutes the away team started to crumble and London took advantage soon the pressure was turned and Chichester leaked only the second goal of the season in the 86^th minute.

It looked at though Chichester would still walk away with the three points when on the 93^rd minute London won a corner. The box was loaded and a pin point cross resulted in the equaliser.

A demoralised Chichester left the pitch with their heads down, however a point away form home and one of the best 80 minutes ever produced by the club should not be forgotten.

Chichester Team: Vicky Bernard, Sarah Pennington, Amber Maher, Rosie Maher, Sam Parker, Danni Paul, Abbie Crook, Kirsty Willet, Laura Streeter ©, Laura Pike, Megan Thompson.
Subs: Horne (65 mins), Cole
Scorers: Willett, Maher
 

Chichester Team: ?
Subs: ?
Scorers: Bourn
 

CHI LADIES GET NEW SEASON OFF TO PERFECT START

The opening day of the South East Counties Women's Premier League saw Chichester City Ladies travel to play Canterbury Ladies away from home. 

The initial exchanges of the match were very scrappy with neither team able to put their foot on the ball and play.

Chichester struggled to get the ball out of their own half and it took Canterbury only seven minutes to score the opener and take an early deserved lead.

The Chi Ladies stuck to the game plan and before long got a foothold on the game. Laura Streeter and Kirsty Willet took control in the middle and soon the rest of the team followed suit.

Danni Paul and Abbey Crook had earned herself a last minute call up after a strong pre season performance, this selection was justified after Paul stormed down the left flank and smashed a shot across the keeper which the ever present Pike stuck in the back of the net. 

Chichester then went on to make a strong Canterbury look average. On 28 minutes Woman of the match Laura Streeter crossed a ball for Danni Paul to latch onto and slot home which put the away team in front.

The Maher twins looked solid and Sam Parker along with Sarah Pennington brought and new width to the side. It wasn't long before a play starting at the back found Pike in behind the Canterbury defence.

Keeping a cool head she lofted the ball over the keep to make it 3-1 on 40 minutes. It was essential that Chichester snubbed out any chance of a fight back in the early stages of the second half.

The skipper stepped up to the mark and volleyed home from close range on 47 minutes. The remainder of the match became a formality and with Bernard operating as a sweeper Canterbury rarely troubled the Chi goal. 

Megan Thompson continued to cause problems for with her pace and tenacity and the substitutions Eastment and Horne rattled the opponents along with the crossbar.

Chichester's lack of fitness led to a scrappy final ten minutes in which a stronger team could have taken advantage.

In the 89th minute Laura Pike chased a lost cause which forced panic from the keeper and a poor clearance deflected in for an own goal.

Chichester Team: Bernard, Pennington, Parker, A. Maher, R Maher, Willet, Crook, Streeter, Pike, Thompson, Paul.
Subs: Horne, Eastment, Madden (all used)
Scorers: Pike (2), Streeter, Paul, O.G.
 

CHICHESTER SECOND STRING IN SEVENTH HEAVEN

Chichester II started the game brightly Abbey Shrubb coming close on three occasions within the first ten minutes.

Shrubb scored the first goal of the game after a great pass from Dannii Leogue before latching onto another threw ball from Emma Evans to make it 2-0.

Shrubb sealed her hat-trick with a fine finish from close range before an unusual clearance allowed Worthing to sneak in a goal, making it 3-1.

Danni Leogue struck the wood work soon after following some neat play in midfield. Natalie Clarke drove into the box from the left wing scoring a fantastic left footed goal from a tight angle, giving Chichester II an impressive 4-1 lead at half time.

Chichester II started the second half much the same as the first and within 15 minutes were rewarded with a penalty after a defender handled in the area. Mel Miller withstood the pressure and stepped up to calmly fire the ball to the goalie’s right to make it 5-1.

Shortly after Miller was replaced in goal by Jemma Cotton who did a great job helping the team out playing in an non-favourable position.

Chichester II came close from several corners until Emma Evans with a powerful header scored the sixth.

Leogue came close to extending the lead by hitting the woodwork on two more occasions. Shrubb sealed the victory with a wonder free kick from just pass the half way line.

Chichester II thoroughly deserved 7-1 victory with an outstanding display from the whole team led by Abbie Garner from the back line. 

Chichester Team: ?
Subs: ?
Scorers: Shrubb (4), Clarke, Miller, Evans