Stockport County Ladies FC 0, Chorley Ladies FC 2

CHORLEY Ladies got off to a flying start in their first game in the premiership with a decisive win against a lively Stockport team with far more experience of playing in the top division.

The home team were surprised by the visitors who went all out to get an early goal and came close on a number of occasions with some crisp, neat passing and determined tackling in midfield.

Nicki Ainscough typified Chorley's play when she won the ball on the half way line and ran down the right wing before putting over an inch-perfect cross to Sharon Schofield whose diving header was well saved at the near post one-handed from Stockport keeper Joanne Bashir.

Cath Anderton and Sarah Lawson ran tirelessly to win the ball and kept Rosie Schofield and Janet Gilder well supplied on the flanks as Chorley pressed forward to take the lead and score their first goal in the premiership.

But Stockport are an experienced outfit and always looked dangerous on the break.

Just before half-time they forced a string of saves from Debbie Cowell in Chorley's goal, including a magnificent diving save to her right which really confirms her place as a top class keeper.

The 0-0 scoreline at the interval did not do justice to this game, with both teams battling hard to take the lead and some excellent football being watched by a small crowd on a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon.

As the second half got under way it was Stockport who looked the livelier team and most likely to score.

At this stage they were winning more tackles and holding on to possession, making it difficult for Chorley to get into the game.

Although the visitors looked to have lapsed, their back line of Michelle Rigby, Anna Quinn, Danni Toward and Annette Deller stood fast, refusing to give in to wave after wave of Stockport attacks.

As the half drew on, the contest became more even as the heat took its toll and looked like being anybody's game.

That was until the 78th minute when manager Karl Rigby brought on Sally Spencer as a sub and within two minutes her pace and stamina took her past a tiring Stockport defence and the Chorley striker hammered the ball into the net from 20 yards.

As the home side was still coming to terms with going behind in the game, Sharon Schofield picked up the ball just inside the Stockport half and set off on a run.

The Chorley striker jinked and darted past the opposition before finishing a splendid solo effort with a powerful right foot shot into the roof of the net.

After the game, Rigby said he was particularly pleased with the commitment his team showed and the way they played as a unit.