Ladies’ football: Chichester get lost in the Forest

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Forest Green Ladies 3 Chichester City Ladies 1

Chichester City Ladies’ third away game in a row ended unlike the previous two –in defeat.

They started slowly and were affording the home side far too much time, but Forest Green struggled to create chances with Nea Piiroinen’s only save of note coming a from miscued clearance by defender Lauren Cheshire.

Chichester did look to create chances but with Dowdell cutting a lonely figure up front it was proving difficult.

Forest Green forced several corners and two of them led to their opening two goals. The first came from a mistimed header from Jenna Fowlie which flew into her own net. The second deceived everyone and looped straight into the net.

The second half begun with Chichester looking much brighter but chances were still proving hard to come by.

Forest Green still looked dangerous on the break and this led to their third. A good run from the right winger ended with a square ball into the box and a tap-in for a home striker.

Chichester forced several errors and did pull one back as Fowlie scored from a corner at the right end with about 20 minutes to go.

Chichester enjoyed good possession for the rest of the game but were unable to force a second goal.

City are at home to St Nicholas Ladies at Oaklands Park on Sunday (2pm).

Chichester City Ladies Dev Squad 0 Charlton 4

Charlton arrived in third place so Chichester knew this was going to be tough.

The game was moved to a 3G pitch because of the weather and Chichester came out of the blocks with a point to prove after losing 6-0 at Charlton.

Chichester were closing down players well and working hard as a team. City looked the more threatening side as Georgia Selby played a through-ball for Jules Teague to run in on goal, but her strong volley was straight at the keeper.

Gemma Halford’s header from a corner went close and Hannah McNamara in Chichester’s goal didn’t have a lot to do.

But five minutes before half-time, a Charlton player managed to make room for a long-range shot which looped into the top corner – their first attempt of the game.

Laura Ingram in Chichester’s midfield had been one of the stand-out players and to be losing at half-time was harsh on her and the team.

Charlton came out in the second half with a point to prove and two almost-identical goals in quick succession made it 3-0.

A debut for Megan Priest saw her come in on central midfield and get some great tackles in. Amber Beaven was put through on goal but her effort was well saved by the Charlton keeper.

Chichester had a few more corners but the fourth Charlton goal came with Chichester pushing forward and their defence exposed.

The development squad’s next game is away to C&K Basildon on Sunday (2pm).

GIRLS’ FOOTBALL

Chichester City girls’ under-tens team took part in a fun futsal festival organised by the Sussex Women’s and Girls’ League.

They travelled to Southwick Leisure Centre and played four 15-minute games.

Playing teams such as Mile Oak Wanderers and Crawley Town, there was some fast-paced action and Lily Betts and Charlie Davey scored some great goals.

Defenders Izzy Walford, April Mc Geal, Anya Daley and debut-making Aimee Pollard supported goalkeepers Lottie Sparrow and Elsie McCauley Heriot.

Isabella Vag and Molly Stobbart, who are also in the under-tens’ squad, were unable to play.

Club secretary Sarah Davey and youth coach Elaine Gray supported the team, who ended up drawing two and losing two, with both defeats also close-fought affairs.

It was an amazing afternoon and the Chichester under-tens return this Sunday for a league futsal event.