Chichester ladies stay top as Cheltenham are beaten again

It was their first home game in a run of three to finish their season.

Having won their past three, Chichester were in confident mood. But Cheltenham started the brighter, putting the Chichester back-line under pressure with a succession of long balls into the box.

One of these created the chance for Cheltenham to open the scoring. A defensive mix-up allowed the ball to bounce several times before falling to the feet of a striker who volleyed into the bottom corner.

It stunned Chichester, who struggled to find a rhythm for the remainder of the half. They did create chances but a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept the visitors ahead.

The second half brought Chichester renewed vigour. Lauren Cheshire on the right and Challen on the left were beginning to stretch Cheltenham.

Challen drew Chichester level when the keeper spilt a cross from the right, coolly tapping the ball into the empty net.

She did not celebrate her goal, instead grabbing the ball from the net to get the game restarted. Minutes later, another ball in from the right found Challen in a yard of space inside the box and in one motion she spun and sent an effort into the bottom corner.

Chichester continued to threaten with efforts from Jenna Fowlie and Shannon Albuery being well saved.

Chloe Dowdell crashed an effort against the bar from 25 yards and efforts from Becky Barron and Amy Found were blocked.

The third came courtesy of Parkes, the midfielder showing good initiative to nod home a bouncing ball from close range for her third goal for the club.

The ladies now have a week off but return to action at home to Keynsham ladies on Sunday, May 1 (2pm).

The Chi under-15s lost their league cup final 4-3 against Worthing Divas – despite a great fightback from 4-1 down.

There were two goals for Loulou Robson and one for Paige Bircham.

City’s under-13s played double header against Crowborough and win 4-0 and 6-0. The goal feast included six goals for Sophia Wicenden, three for Kayleigh Akmenkains and one for Rhiannon Roberts.

Chi’s under-11s have stepped up a league level and put up a great fight against Mile Oak but eventually lost 10-4. Charlie Davey scored two and Ellen Middleton and Aimee Pollard netted one each.

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