Dons downed by Chichester ladies - and Rottingdean routed by reserves

Chichester continued their winning streak at MK Dons.

They took an early lead after three minutes when a Starkey corner was turned into their own net by the the MK Dons right-back. Shrubb ran down the left and her cut-back just eluded the approaching Challen.

MK Dons equalised on 11 minutes as a 25-yard shot was lobbed over McNamara.

The Lilywhites regained the lead a minute later as a ball over the top found Challen, who brilliantly took on the defence and reached the byline before finding a perfect cross to Shrubb, whose volley was unstoppable.

The Lilywhites were on the back foot for the rest of the half but Shrubb hit the bar from 25 yards midway through the half and Chichester went in 2-1 at half time.

The second half continued in the same vein with the Lillywhites soaking up pressure.

Ogden came on and her work-rate proved critical in breaking down attacks. Richardson and Starkey had an excellent game, winning everything the Dons threw at them.

Fowlie, making her debut for Chichester, fitted in well at left-back.

A Shrubb free-kick hit the bar to break up the MK pressure and City held on for the win.

Chichester made it nine in a row in league and cup and travel to face league leaders Chesham this week.

CITY: McNamara, Hughes-Jones, Fowlie, Richardson, Starkey, Willett, Harnett (Ogden, 60), Widdowson, Shrubb, Challen, Wride.

Rottingdean Ladies 1 Chichester City Res 3

Chichester hadn’t played for a couple of weeks but came out of the traps causing instant problems for the Rottingdean defence.

With a change to the normal formation from 4-4-2 to 3-5-1, Chichester’s midfield were controlling the game.

It was only a matter of time before Chichester made it 1-0 with a fine finish from Kally Ambler.

A nice one-two between women of the match Jess Harnett and Kerri Grant combined to make it 2-0 when Grant hit the net.

Lauren Bateman had nothing to do in the Chichester goal in the first half.

After the interval, a corner for Rottingdean ended up in goal when Levi Thorpe tried to clear but put it in the back of her own net.

A great last-ditch tackle from Emma Alexandre ensured Chichester kept the lead.

City sealed it when great footwork from Harnett allowed her to play the perfect pass for Ambler to score.

Another three points for the reserves makes it seven wins from seven games and keeps them top of the league. This week they have a league cup tie against Prince of Wales at Florence Road, Chichester.

CITY RES: Bateman, Halford, Alexandre, Thorpe, Bailey, Stanbridge, Cottam-Verbruggen, Selby, Ambler, Grant, Ellis, Subs: Harnett, Fisher, Beaven.