SOUTH LAKES 2 CHORLEY LADIES 1

CHORLEY'S flying start to the season came to an abrupt halt on Sunday when they were beaten 2-1 by a resolute South Lakes side.

The team, from Askam in Cumbria, were fired up for the match and clearly determined to make an impression on the league leaders.

Chorley, in contrast, began the game looking desperately ordinary and it took 20 minutes before defender Tracey Kenyon lifted their performance by running on to a practised lay-off from Natalie Parry.

Her powerful swerving shot beat the keeper but also went just wide of the post. Five minutes later Chorley had cannoned off the South Lakes crossbar and to safety. The Cumbrian team had obviously done their homework and were prepared to meet Chorley's eager and enthusiastic efforts.

Their patience was rewarded a minute before half time when they were awarded a direct free kick on the edge of the Chorley area, and the resulting shot, sweetly struck, curled high beyond the keeper Karen Browne's out-stretched hand into the net.

One nil down at the interval, Chorley started the second half with more determination and a tidal wave of attacks led by Janine Jones. Although they out-ran, out-fought and out-played their opponents, Chorley failed to score the equaliser and South Lakes compounded their misery by taking advantage of a rare Chorley defensive error and scoring a second goal after 60 minutes.

Despite being two goals down, Chorley fought hard to get back into the game and their efforts were eventually rewarded when Sharon Schofield fired an indirect free kick from 20 yards which the keeper palmed into her own net.

With 23 minutes of play remaining this was the start of a spirited comeback and Chorley's work rate never faltered for the full 90 minutes. However the home team refused to buckle under the pressure and held on to their lead winning all three points.

No doubt the long journey back gave manager Karl Rigby time to reflect on why his team lost. His analysis should conclude South Lakes won because they passed better, made fewer errors and most importantly, were able to convert their chances. This may have been a miserable match for Chorley but will concentrate their efforts on scoring goals and staying top of the table.

ZChorley's next home game is against Poulton-le-Fylde this Sunday. Kick-off is at 2pm at Charnock Richard.

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