Ladies 1s Suffer a 2 nil Defeat

Despite a few periods of pressing play from Chester, mainly at the beginning and the end of the game, Lancaster overpowered them late in the second half, cannoning a ballinto the D and subsequently deflecting it skillfully into the Chester net.

Man of the match and keeper Sophie Parker was kept busy, making crucial saves from drag flicks on short corners, stopping a one-on-one break, and tipping a top-of-the-net bound shot onto the crossbar and out of play. Chester, despite their lack of pressing opportunities, were solid in defence, not conceding again until late in the second half, after a maelstrom of short corners. At the other end, Chester were somewhat lacking, unable to convert the two penalty corners they were awarded. They were unlucky not to have been given a flick after a Lancaster defender was sin-binned for a deliberate offense in the circle.

Chester continued to soak up the pressure in defense with tireless efforts from the full backs and keeper. Half back Helen Harper made some skillful runs on the left, linking well with the midfielders and inners; Kristina Roper and Sarah Mulligan to try and make the best of their chances but unfortunately Lancaster proved to be the better team on the day.

Chester will set out determined for a win at home against Springfields next week in order to prove that their league position does not reflect their efforts.