Chorley Ladies 4 Lancaster City 2

IF anyone ever doubted the spirit and determination of women's football, they should have been at this match on Sunday which was played in atrocious conditions at Charnock Richard.

With the wind behind them Chorley took early control and scored after 15 minutes when Parry burst through the Lancaster defence, unleashed a powerful right foot drive which hit the foot of the post. From the resulting rebound Katherine Anderton reacted quickest, pushing the ball into the net.

With the defence playing well, Chorley were happy to push forward against a determined Lancaster side to keep up the pressure. The midfield trio of Natalie Parry, Debbie Kirkman and Jo Schofield worked extremely hard to latch on to any loose balls to control the game.

And it was Kirkman who scored a richly deserved goal ten minutes before half-time with a curling right foot shot from the edge of the area for Chorley's second.

The visitors were visibly tired with the weather taking its toll and the pitch cutting up, Anderton scoring just before the break to go in at half-time three nil up.

Lancaster were expecting an easier time of it in the second half with the wind behind them. However, the excellent Parry was to provide a shock as she picked up the ball 20 yards from goal and thumped a dipping volley home.

Both teams continued to pass the ball well and seemed determined to keep the ball on the floor and on 65 minutes Lancaster burst through.

Chorley keeper Sam Parker gave away a penalty, diving at the feet of her opponent and the visitors pulled back the score to 4-1.

Within two minutes of their first, Lancaster scored again, this time Kenyon pushing a deflected shot into her own net.

But Chorley held out for an impressive 4-2 victory ensuring they held on to their third place in the league. Next week's match against second placed Stockport County may well turn out to be a crucial promotion clash.

The kick off is 2pm on March 7 at Charter Lane, Charnock Richard.

Chorley Ladies have started under 12's and under 14's teams and are on the lookout for players and coaching staff. Anyone interested should contact Tracy Kenyon on 274657.

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