CHI LADIES STUNG BY HIGH FLYING WASPS

Chichester's late attempt to sneak into a promotion place effectively ended with this defeat at title chasing Crawley. City have only themselves to blame though, as they squandered enough chances to have won several football matches.

Crawley struggled to contain the lively Chichester attack and from the first whistle the visitors looked capable of scoring with every attack. Despite going behind against the run of play, opportunities were created regularly throughout a very competitive first half. Abbey Shrubb, Samantha Parker and Laura Pike went close numerous times without managing to beat Catherine Poleykett in the Crawley goal.

The game in the second half was a much closer affair with the hot conditions forcing the pace to drop appreciably. With time running out and the hosts playing for time, Chichester's last chance of a deserved equaliser arrived as Parker played in Shrubb. Unfortunately for the visitors the normally prolific striker was forced wide and drove her shot narrowly past the post.

Chichester have an immediate opportunity to avenge the defeat when Crawley visit Oaklands for the return game on Thursday 16th April at 7:30pm.

Report written by John Spicer 

Chichester Team: Bernard, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Crook, Sherwood, Madden, Paul, Parker, Shrubb, Pike.
Subs: Eastment, Horne, Hutton
Scorers: -
 

LADIES HOLD ON IN ENTERTAINING FLOODLIT DERBY

IN another entertaining floodlit local derby at Oaklands Chichester did just enough to secure victory despite a tremendous fight back from the visitors.

Bognor started well and dominated the early part of the match. However, the first chance fell to Chichester as Sam Parker was denied by Lauren Bateman in the Bognor goal. The Rocks continued to take the game to City but three times in fifteen minutes Chichester scored on the counter attack. Abbey Shrubb was put through by Steph Madden for the first, Parker and Shrubb combined to set up the excellent Laura Pike for the second and then Dani Paul scored a superb individual goal to make it three.

To Bognor's credit they didn't give up and were handed a lifeline on the stroke of half time. Kirsty Willett was brought down in the box and Jemma Cottam scored from the spot. Less than sixty seconds later the visitors scored again as a Cottam cross was deflected past Vicky Bernard by a Chichester defender.

Within five minutes of the restart the Bognor comeback was complete as a Megan Thompson shot evaded Bernard at the near post. The equaliser seemed to finally kick start Chichester into action and gradually the hosts began to take control and play the type of football that has been evident in recent matches. Two typical Shrubb goals settled the game in City's favour, both being created by the endeavour of her strike partners. Firstly a dipping volley finished off a Pike run and then a left footed strike followed a flowing move involving Parker and Imogen Horne.

A long range shot from Thompson reduced the deficit to keep City on their toes for the remaining five minutes but they played out time to claim the three points and move up to fourth place in the league table.

Report written by John Spicer 

Chichester Team: Bernard, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Crook, Sherwood, Madden, Paul, Parker, Shrubb, Pike.
Subs: Eastment, Evans, Horne, Walker, Leogue
Scorers: Shrubb 3, Pike, Paul

Bognor Team: Bateman, Pennington, Gillies, Morley, Turner, Clarke, O'Boyle, Talbot, Willett, Cottam, Thompson.
Subs: Wiseman, Newman
Scorers: Cottam, Thompson 2, OG
 

SWEET REVENGE FOR CHICHESTER LADIES

Chichester avenged their opening day defeat with a comprehensive victory over the early season pacesetters Canterbury, who still have an outside chance of taking the Premier Division league title.

A very open start to game saw chances created at both ends. Vicky Bernard made a good save from a header and Abbey Shrubb hit an upright following good work from Laura Pike and Sam Parker. Just when City looked to be getting on top Canterbury opened the scoring as Blackmore evaded three challenges and slotted the ball past Bernard.

Chichester were not behind for long as Parker was put through to outpace the defence and score from the edge of the area. Shrubb was denied by a good save from Hardy before the City striker hit a crisp left footed drive to give the hosts a deserved interval lead.

Chichester continued to play neat possession football into the second half. Shrubb lobbed a stranded goalkeeper for the third and then completed her hat trick to settle the game midway through the half. Pike, Horne, Parker and Leogue all went close as City finished the game on top.

Chichester Team: Bernard, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Walker, Evans, Sherwood, Paul, Parker, Shrubb, Pike.
Subs: Crook, Horne, Leogue, Eastment, Madden
Scorers: Parker, Shrubb (3)
 

SHRUBB DOUBLE ENOUGH TO SEE OFF LOCAL RIVALS BOGNOR

In near perfect conditions at Oaklands the two local Ladies Premier Division teams produced a very entertaining game in front of a large Wednesday evening crowd. A goal in each half from Abbey Shrubb was enough for the hosts to take the points and continue their recent good form.

The match began at a tremendous pace as local rivalry gave the contest added spice. Bognor's experienced players worked hard to contain a young Chichester side who always looked dangerous on the break.

Ten minutes before half time City took the lead with an excellent goal. Following a foul on the half way line, the quick thinking Sam Parker picked out Abbey Shrubb with a superb cross field ball and the City striker did the rest, allowing the ball to bounce before hitting a superb volley into the roof of the net. The visitors tried to get back into the game before the break forcing several corners and from one, a Caroline Patterson header cleared the Chichester cross bar.

Bognor had their best spell at the start of the second half but City's defence were equal to the task and eventually the home side began to regain control and it came as no surprise when Chichester doubled the lead. Another quick break resulted in Kelly Eastment evading her marker and setting up Shrubb to slot home. Dani Paul and Laura Pike came close to increasing the lead before the end as the Chichester midfield found more space as Bognor committed more players forward. 

Chichester Team: Bernard, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Walker, Evans, Madden, Paul, Parker, Shrubb, Pike.
Subs: Eastment, Crook, Horne, Cole, Leogue
Scorers: Shrubb (2)

Chichester Team: Bateman, Pennington, Morley, Taylor, Holden, O'Boyle, Talbot, Willett, Cottam, Patterson, Thompson.
Subs: Clarke, Gillies
Scorers: -
 

LADIES REWARDED WITH SIX POINTS IN KENT DOUBLE HEADER

Chichester's reward for another long journey to Kent was six goals and six valuable league points in this Premier Division double header.

City won the first match relatively easily, cruising into a three goal first half lead courtesy of an Abbey Shrubb hat trick. Shrubb sealed the win with her fourth in the second half although the game became disjointed as the visitors failed to gain the control the score line suggested.

For the second game Chichester made changes and this enabled City to play more controlled possession football. Numerous chances were created with Imogen Horne at the centre of the visitors creative play. Whitstable held out during the first period and well into the second as more City chances came and went.

With the home side sensing a shock victory they through caution to wind and pushed several players forward for their one and only corner of the game with just ten minutes to go. Unfortunately for the gallant Whitstable side, Chichester cleared the danger, Kelly Eastment fed Shrubb and the prolific striker outpaced the defence to score. Eastment then fired an unstoppable volley into the top corner to make it two nil.

Chichester Team: Bernard, Evans (C), Walker, Cole, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Crook, Horne, Madden, Paul, Evans (E), Parker, Shrubb, Leogue, Eastment.
Scorers: Shrubb (5), Eastment
 

CHICHESTER LADIES FIGHT BACK TO WIN IN GILLINGHAM

Chichester came from two down after fifteen minutes to win and make the long journey to Gillingham seem worthwhile.

A change of tactics appeared to have backfired as the home side took the game to City from the kick off. The movement of the Anchorians attack caused the visitors defence lots of problems and soon a shot from long distance and a well worked goal saw City go two behind and in big trouble. However, a defensive change and a desire not to be beaten enabled Chichester to force their way back into the game. Sam Parker reduced the deficit with a powerful shot from outside the box. City were in the ascendancy for the rest of the half but were still behind at the break.

The visitors looked very dangerous on the counter attack in the second half and from one quick break, Abbey Shrubb spotted the keeper of her line and chipped a superb equaliser. Chichester's comeback was complete midway through the half when Laura Pike was played in following another flowing passing move to cooly slot home the winner.

Despite a mini-revival from Anchorians, City were determined not to surrender the advantage and Vicky Bernard in the visitors goal was relatively untroubled as her defence kept the dangerous Anchorians attack at bay for the remainder of the game.

Local rivals Bognor visit Oaklands for an evening Premier Division fixture on Wednesday 4th March 7:30pm kick off.

Chichester Team: Bernard, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Crook, Pike, Madden, Sherwood, Paul, Parker, Shrubb
Subs: Walker, Cole, Horne, Eastment
Scorers: Parker, Shrubb, Pike
 

WOMEN DRAW WITH BEXHILL AT OAKLANDS

Steph Madden's near post header was cancelled out fifteen minutes from the end of another absorbing South East Counties Premier Division encounter at Oaklands.

City were optimistic of being able to build on last weeks improved performance against Hassocks but found the slow pitch at Oaklands and the visitors resolute defence an obstacle to the incisive attacking play witnessed at The Beacon.

In the first half both defences were well on top. The closest City came to scoring was from an Abbey Shrubb free kick that brought a good save out of the Bexhill player manager whilst at the other end Vicky Bernard dealt comfortably with a long range effort.

Chichester began to assert themselves at the start of the second half and forced several corners as all the play was in the Bexhill half. From yet another Shrubb corner Steph Madden rose magnificently to head home. With City now dominant the visitors made several changes to try and get back in the game and against the run of play drew level from a well struck shot from the edge of the box which was very harsh on the home side.

Chichester continued to go forward in search of the winner. Madden went close with a volley and Abbie Crook's glancing header from a Parker cross was stopped on the line as time ran out for the home side.

This Sunday City travel to Gillingham to face Anchorians.

Chichester Team: Bernard, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Cole, Pike, Madden, Sherwood, Paul, Horne, Shrubb
Subs: Walker, Parker, Crook
Scorers: Madden
 

FIGHT BACK NOT ENOUGH TO HUMBLE LEAGUE LEADERS

Chichester produced a tremendous second half fight back at the Premier Division leaders Hassocks only to concede a controversial third goal on eighty eight minutes.

City started the brighter in a cagey opening at The Beacon and worked a couple of good openings with Sam Parker shooting narrowly wide for the visitors. Abbey Shrubb forced a good save from the Hassocks keeper from a curling free kick before the home side began to take control. The dangerous Katie Harding opened the scoring from a long throw in and quickly doubled the advantage converting a left wing cross.

The half time whistle arrived just in time for Chichester but the second half was a completely different story with the visitors dominating as the game became more stretched. The outstanding Laura Sherwood took centrestage in midfield enabling Imogen Horne and Steph Madden to go forward to join the strikers. Shrubb was unlucky to see a superb run and shot hit the far post. However, it was just a matter of time before the dominant City scored and two excellent moves converted by Parker deservedly brought Chichester level. Just when it looked like City would go on and get the winning goal their second half performance merited, Hassocks converted a loose ball in the box to steal the points with Chichester claiming a push from the corner kick.

This Sunday City face Bexhill in the Premier Division 2pm at Oaklands. 

Chichester Team: Bernard, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Cole, Parker, Madden, Sherwood, Paul, Horne, Shrubb
Subs: Walker, Leogue
Scorers: Parker (2)
 

CHICHESTER SETTLE FOR POINT IN ABSORBING CONTEST

In their first league game for over two months, Chichester had to settle for a point against hard working Eastbourne. The contrasting styles of the two sides made for an absorbing contest although both defences kept any goalmouth action to a minimum.

After a frantic beginning the game settled down and followed a similar pattern throughout, with City enjoying a larger share of possession but Borough's high defensive line keeping the home side away from the danger area. Dani Paul saw plenty of the ball in the first half in an encouraging home debut for Chichester and created some good openings. City took the lead midway through the half with an unstoppable shot from outside the box from Abbey Shrubb.

Eastbourne started the second half well and inevitably drew level with a good strike from the edge of the area. Having been pegged back Chichester showed a lot of character to reassert themselves again and soon began to retain possession and created opportunities. Imogen Horne, partnering Shrubb in attack was twice denied by good defending as both sides eventually settled for a draw as the heavy pitch caused the teams to tire.

This sunday City travel to Kent to take on Aylesford in the League Cup. 

Chichester Team: Bernard, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Crook, Pike, Madden, Sherwood, Paul, Horne, Shrubb
Subs: Cole, Leogue, Evans, Walker
Scorers: Shrubb
 

CHI LADIES BATTLE THROUGH TO SECOND ROUND OF LEAGUE CUP

Chichester battled through to the second round of the League Cup against a good Seahaven Harries team in a very eventful game at Seaford Town F.C.

Having forfeited home advantage following two previous postponements City made the worse possible start losing striker Paris Hutton to an horrific injury after just three minutes. Chichester found it hard to focus following Hutton's injury, later diagnosed as a dislocated knee and soon fell behind to a goal from a corner.

City gradually got themselves back into the game and began to create opportunities for strikers Sam Parker and Danielle Leogue and it was Hutton's replacement Leogue who equalised for Chichester following a strong run down the right.

As the game progressed Chichester seemed to get stronger and with Abbey Shrubb playing in goal behind a strong defence, Seahaven rarely troubled the visitors. Steph Madden, Sam Parker, Laura Pike had good opportunities to win the match in normal time for City but Emma Howard in the Seahaven goal kept the scores level at ninety minutes.

During extra time Chichester again seemed most likely to break the deadlock as the heavy pitch caused both teams to tire an ultimately settle for penalties.

In the shoot out, both goalkeepers were outstanding. Successful penalties from Shrubb, Spicer and Leogue and four penalty saves from Shrubb enabled Chichester to progress to the next round.

This Sunday Chichester return to South East Counties league action as neighbours Bognor Regis Town visit Oaklands for a 2pm kick off.

Chichester Team: Shrubb, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Cole, Pike, Madden, Sherwood, Paul, Parker, Hutton
Subs: Leogue, Walker
Scorers: Leogue
Penalties: Shrubb, Spicer, Leogue
 

CHICHESTER WOMEN BEAT CURRENT LEAGUE LEADERS 

Chichester picked up three valuable league points with victory over the current league leaders Hassocks at Florence Road. Despite falling behind and riding their luck at times in the second half,  City deserved this win as they created many chances with Deeley in the Hassocks goal being far the busier of the two goalkeepers.

The home side started well and created several good scoring opportunities but City's shooting was weak as Deeley made several comfortable saves. At the other end Chichester's defence had their work cut out dealing with the height advantage of  Hassocks striker Harding.

Despite looking the more likely team to make the breakthrough it was the visitors who took the lead when Harding headed a long ball past goalkeeper Vicky Bernard. Fortunately for Chichester, the lead lasted just a couple of minutes as a shot from outside the area from Abbey Shrubb somehow found it's way into the back of the Hassocks net. Paris Hutton twice came close to giving City the lead at half time with shots that just cleared the crossbar and Bernard, replacing the injured Caz Evans produced a flying stop to deny Harding and Hassocks a second.

Hassocks should have regained the lead at the start of the second half but their striker shot over with just Bernard to beat. City then settled down an enjoyed their best spell of the game, forcing several corners and free kicks in dangerous positions. Hassock's long ball became less of a threat as centrebacks Sian Spicer and Rosie Maher began to get the better of the tall striker. Chichester then took the lead with a well worked goal. A short corner from Jess Baynton enabled Sam Parker to pick out Amber Maher and the full back headed in at the near post. Hassocks had a good opportunity to equalise but shot wide from the penalty spot after Harding was tripped.

As the game progressed the visitors appeared to tire and each City attack ended with a shot on goal and from one such attack Shrubb broke clear to hit a left foot shot inside the far post. Hassocks pulled one back as City failed to clear a corner. Shrubb and debutant Baynton went close before Shrubb sealed victory for City, controlling the ball on the edge of the area, turning, beating her opponent and firing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

This Sunday City hope to build on this victory when they entertain Seahaven Harriers in the League Cup. 

Chichester Team: Bernard, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Leogue, Pike, Madden, Baynton, Parker, Hutton, Shrubb
Subs: Crook, Horne, Walker, Coombs, Sherwood
Scorers: Shrubb (3), Mayer
 

MISERABLE AND WET AFTERNOON FOR CHICHESTER 

Unfortunately for Chichester, the match in East Sussex, played in torrential rain followed a similar pattern to recent City matches. The visitors started brightly and also finished the game on top, but in between, allowed their more experienced opponents to stop them playing the free flowing football that they are capable of.

For thirty minutes Chichester dominated and the game was played almost entirely in the Bexhill half. Sam Parker, Abbey Shrubb, Paris Hutton and Laura Pike all wasted good opportunities, but, as the half progressed the visitors seemed to lose the belief in their ability and this coupled with the stop start nature of the match allowed Bexhill back into the game. Two lapses of concentration later and Chichester found themselves two goals behind at the break.

Despite trying hard to get back into the game City were unable to find a way through a packed and robust Bexhill defence. An excellent headed goal from a corner killed off any chance of a Chichester comeback. Laura Pike had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside before Bexhill scored a fourth to complete a thoroughly miserable afternoon.

Chichester Team: Evans, Walker, Maher (A), Spicer, Leogue, Pike, Madden,  Hutton, Coombs, Shrubb, Parker
Subs: Sherwood, Crook, Maher (R), Paul
Scorers: -
 

BOGNOR EMERGE VICTORIOUS IN EXCITING LOCAL DERBY

In an intriguing and often exciting local derby, Bognor emerged victorious to face Lewes in the quarter final of the Sussex Senior Cup.

Chichester started the game surprisingly well following two weeks without a game and created several scoring opportunities in the early stages. Abbey Shrubb, who unsettled the home defence throughout converted a pass from Sam Parker to give the visitors the lead. Bognor responded immediately and captain Kirsty Willett looped a shot over Caz Evans to equalise. Chichester continued to look dangerous on the break as Parker shot over and Shrubb was twice denied bravely by Lauren Bateman, the second of the saves resulted in the Bognor keeper needing lengthy treatment to continue.

As the first half drew to a close Bognor began to take control and a piece of good fortune for the home side saw a Chichester clearance diverted past Evans to give Bognor the lead, but then City had a slice of luck of their own as Grace Irvine rattled the cross bar.

Bognor's best spell, at the start of the second half resulted in the game being played in the Chichester half. Caroline Paterson was at the centre of all Bognor's attacks but, despite Bognor deservedly doubling their advantage with a well worked goal, Chichester's defence held firm and eventually weathered the storm to reassert themselves and mount a spirited challenge over the latter stages of the match.

The introduction of Stephanie Coombs posed some problems for the home side down the left flank and a good move initiated by Coombs ended with Shrubb outpacing the defence and shooting agonisingly wide of the Bognor goal. Chichester continued to press as Bognor looked to be tiring and twice more were unfortunate not to score as a Parker free kick was turned around the post by Bateman and then a Shrubb free kick beat the excellent Bognor keeper but grazed the cross bar.

Chichester Team: Evans, Walker, Spicer, Madden, Leogue, Pike, Sherwood, Crook, Hutton, Shrubb, Parker
Subs: Coombs, Bernard, Horne, Cole, Collins
Scorers: Shrubb
 

Despite a spirited second half performance against a strong and experienced Aldershot team Chichester never really threatened an FA Cup upset.

Aldershot, from the Southern Regional League started well and dominated the midfield and a series of shots from outside the box tested Caz Evans in the City goal. The visitors unsurprisingly took the lead on five minutes when a right wing cross was converted. Despite being over run in midfield Sam Parker and Abbey Shrubb again looked a threat on the rare occasions Chichester got forward. Shrubb headed narrowly over from a Abbie Crook free kick. When City attacked again, Shrubb was brought down on the edge of the area as she was about to equalise. The Aldershot centreback, being the last defender was very fortunate to escape a red card for the offence. 

Had the visitors been forced to play three quarters of the match with ten players the outcome may have been different, as it was, Aldershot continued to dominate and scored their second on the stroke of half time.

In general, Chichester's defence coped well with Aldershot's attack but the real difference between the sides was from set pieces and crosses. Excellent delivery utilised the visitors height advantage and two goals from corners at the start of the second half killed of City.

With the match won, Aldershot took their foot of the gas and finally the young Chichester side took control of the midfield. Stephanie Coombs began to get behind the Aldershot back line and some good crosses created chances for City. Shrubb, Parker, Pike and Madden all had good opportunities to score, before a rasping drive from Shrubb found the back of the net for Chichester. Chichester continued to play some good football with the excellent Paris Hutton exposing some space in front of the Aldershot defence, but any thoughts of a come back were ended when Aldershot scored on the break near the end to seal a deserved victory.

Chichester Team: Evans, Bernard, Spicer, Maher (R), Maher (A), Pike, Madden, Crook, Hutton, Shrubb, Parker
Subs: Horne, Sherwood, Coombs, Leogue, Burdett
Scorers: Shrubb
 

A battered and bruised Chichester side slipped to defeat at Priory Lane in an encounter where any similarity with the beautiful game was purely coincidental. City were prevented from playing their usual pass and move football in a match where the hosts collected four cautions for fouls and the visitors collected injuries.

For the record Abbey Shrubb put City in front following an excellent pass from Vicky Bernard, who later had to be replaced following leg and head injuries. Sam Parker restored Chichester's lead with a cool finish after Eastbourne equalised. Abbie Crook hit the crossbar with a free kick before she too had to be replaced. Eastbourne stormed back to equalise and then go in front before half time.

Despite a second half of character and endeavour Chichester were unable to retain enough possession in the opponents half to create chances for the strikers.

Chichester entertain Aldershot Town in the FA Women's Cup at Oaklands (2pm) on Sunday. City hope to have a large crowd at the game against a team that have made a good start in the Southern Premier League.

Chichester Team: Evans, Bernard, Spicer, Maher (R), Maher (A), Pike, Madden, Crook, Sherwood, Shrubb, Parker
Subs: Horne, Hutton, Leogue, Walker
Scorers: Shrubb, Parker
 

CHICHESTER LADIES WIN FIRST LEAGUE MATCH

Chichester picked up three valuable league points with victory over a very hardworking Anchorians side at Oaklands. City's inabililty to convert any of the numerous chances they created during a spell of first half dominance looked like being critical as the Kent side looked the likely winner with less than ten minutes left and the scores level at one all.

Chichester started the game well following last weeks cup win and looked dangerous going forward. Abbey Shrubb and Sam Parker had several opportunities to score against an Anchorians team that finished in third place in the league last season. At the other end Caz Evans was relatively untroubled as the home defence restricted the visitors to shots from distance. Just when it looked as if Chichester were beginning to run out of ideas, a quick break enabled Parker to find Shrubb with a through ball and the City number nine made no mistake to break the deadlock midway through the second half. However, the goal seemed to motivate the visitors, for the first time in the game Anchorians dominated the play and within three minutes equalised with a great finish from a very difficult angle. Anchorians were then twice denied by Evans, tipping goal bound shots over the cross bar. With time running out, City broke out of defence and found Shrubb wide on the left who hit a wonderful cross field ball to Parker who finished in style.

This Sunday City hope to build on this victory when they visit Eastbourne Borough for a SE Counties Premier Division fixture at Priory Lane (2pm).

Chichester Team: Evans, Bernard, Spicer, Maher (R), Maher (A), Pike, Madden, Horne, Sherwood, Shrubb, Parker
Subs: Crook, Hutton, Walker, Cole, Coombs
Scorers: Shrubb, Parker
 

SHRUBB FOUR TIMER SEES CHICHESTER THROUGH FA CUP TIE

Chichester secured a FA Cup First Round home tie with Aldershot following victory over old rivals Merstham at Oaklands Park. City produced an impressive performance despite falling behind after only two minutes.

Once City got into their stride following the early setback, one touch pass and move football from the home side pinned the visitors in their own half for long periods. However, despite dominating the match Chichester's best opportunities were from distance and the visitors keeper dealt comfortably with several shots from outside the penalty area. Just when it looked like Merstham would keep their lead at the break Abbey Shrubb converted a cross from the right to equalise.

City began the second half as they finished the first, but again Merstham managed to keep City at bay until Sam Parker, on for the impressive Danielle Leogue, set up Shrubb to calmly put City in front. From that point, Chichester looked like scoring with every attack as the visitors understandably tired. Shrubb completed her hat-trick with a left footed shot from outside the box. A converted penalty twelve minutes from time momentarily gave Merstham the chance of a come back, but the excellent Laura Pike set Shrubb up once more to seal Chichester's thoroughly deserved victory.

This Sunday City hope to reproduce their cup form in the league when Anchorians visit Oaklands (2pm) for a SE Counties Premier Division fixture.

Chichester Team: Evans, Bernard, Spicer, Maher (R), Maher (A), Pike, Madden, Horne, Sherwood, Shrubb, Leogue
Subs: Crook, Parker, Cole, Coombs, Hutton
Scorers: Shrubb (4)
 

YOUNG CHICHESTER LADIES FIND CANTERBURY TOO TOUGH

Two goals in a minute mid way through the second half killed off Chichester's chances after a spirited performance had often threatened an equalising goal.

As expected, City's young side found Canterbury tough opponents and in the early stages Chichester had to work hard to keep the home side at bay. Not surprisingly the home side took the lead but Chichester responded well and kept themselves in the game. Chichester defence in general coped well with the usually prolific Canterbury forwards and behind them Caz Evans produced several excellent saves. At the other end, Abbey Shrubb and Steph Coombs combined well and Coombs went close to equalising on two occasions as the half ended.

The end to end nature of the game continued at the beginning of the second half. Another excellent Evans save kept City in the game and Shrubb fired a free kick over. Unfortunately, for City the home side finally gained the ascendancy and two well worked goals in a minute settled the game. The fourth and final goal near the end was perhaps a little harsh on a Chichester side that gave a very good Canterbury side a tough match. City's attention now turns to an FA Cup encounter with Merstham at Oaklands on Sunday (2pm Kick Off).

Chichester Team: Evans, Maher (A), Spicer, Maher (R), Crook, Pike, Madden, Horne, Coombs, Shrubb, Parker
Subs: Wiseman, Bernard, Sherwood, Leogue, Walker
Scorers: -
 

CHICHESTER LADIES TO VISIT CANTERBURY FOR FIRST GAME

Chichester City United Ladies have a difficult start to their South East Counties campaign with a visit to last years Kent County Champions Canterbury on Sunday.

Chichester completed their pre-season programme with an entertaining two all draw with Eastleigh at Oaklands Park last Sunday, which followed a defeat to a very strong Havant and Waterlooville side and then a comfortable victory over Gosport Borough. Against Eastleigh, Chichester wasted numerous chances in the first half and found themselves two down against their more experienced opponents. However, an improved second half display saw the home side storm back with goals from Abbey Shrubb and Samantha Parker.

City have strengthened their squad ahead of the new campaign with the addition of Caz Evans, Stephanie Coombs, Abbee Cole, Danielle Leogue, Sarah Walker and Kirsty Burdett to last seasons U18 team that won the Surrey League Cup on penalties back in May against Merstham. Chichester follow the visit to Canterbury by facing old friends Merstham again, this time in the FA Womens Cup at Oaklands Park.

City team to face Canterbury(from): Wiseman, Evans, Maher (A), Spicer, Madden, Maher (R), Bernard, Horne, Pike, Crook, Sherwood, Coombs, Walker, Leogue, Shrubb, Parker, Hutton, Burdett