Ladies 2nd X1 vs Deeside 2nd X1 - Cheshire Ladies Cup, Saturday 5th April 2008

Won

Newly crowned Cheshire Division 1 Champions, Chester 2’s took on arch rivals Deeside 2’s in the semi final of the Cheshire Cup on Saturday. Laura Wilson took the lead for Chester mid way through the first half, thanks to an assist from Alex Gill who is due to run the London Marathon on Sunday. Chester continued to dominate in the first half and could easily have gone two up. Deeside equalised early in the second half from a well rehearsed penalty corner only to concede a penalty flick soon after. Up stepped Donna Jones, who has missed most of the season through a series of injures, to send the keeper the wrong way and ultimately Chester in to the final. Cheshire County Sports Club will be the venue for the final on the 20th of this month.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Macclesfield - Saturday 8th March 2008

Won 2-1

Overall Chester dominated the game with many short corners but no conversions. Chester’s goalkeeper, Annabelle Church, made an amazing save but unfortunately took the ball to her thigh just into the second half. She was substituted with one of the defenders, Sunders (aka Rachel Darling). A tense time followed and after Macclesfield put one in the back of the net Chester returned quickly with Alex Gill evening the score. Then shortly afterwards Laura Wilson put the winning goal in to end the game 2-1. This leaves the 2nd X1 will strong promotion chances if they win next week. Good luck ladies!

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Whitchurch - Saturday 23rd February 2008

Won 4-2

Chester again played with a bare 11 players, but started off well with some strong passing and forward runs. Alex Gill opened the scoring for Chester after several strong attacking plays. The score was then built upon shortly after with a goal from Philippa Brooking, to give Chester a 2-0 lead.

Spirits were high within the Chester team at half time, and they came out equally as strong in the 2nd half. Some great passing play starting from the Chester defence finished with a superbly placed goal by Siobhan Barnard to extend the Chester lead. The home side were unlucky to give away two goals, but fought back finishing with a second goal of the day for Alex Gill. Chester showed some great team play throughout the game, as well as some superb solo runs, which showed in the comfortable 4-2 victory.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Bowdon 3rd X1 - Saturday 16th February 2008

Won 2-1

Chester travelled to Bowdon with only 11 players in the quarter final of the Cheshire Cup (2nd’s). The game started well with Chester keeping possession and making several attacking plays to break into the Bowdon D.

The first half saw action at both ends, with both keepers making some crucial saves. The scoring opened after a great early ball saw Chester attack the Bowdon D, where they were awarded a penalty stroke. Rachael Darling stepped up to take the penalty stroke to skillfully place the ball passed the Bowdon GK. Bowdon however fought back and equalised before the half-time break.

After a closely fought half, Chester came back out with more determination and showed some great play through the midfield, and some great passing to find the forward players. Both teams fought hard, but Chester showed a more professional style of play, which was awarded with their second goal. After several other attempts, Chester were unlucky not to add to the score line.

The final score was 2-1 Chester, which sees them through to the semi-final of the cup.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Cannock 2nd X1 - Saturday 9th February 2008

Lost 3-0

A hard fought game that saw Chester play some strong hockey, unfortunately the score line does not reflect the game.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Deeside 2nd X1 - Saturday 26th January 2008

Won 5-0
Scorers - Alex Gill 4, Emma Blair 1
MOM: Elan Iorwerth

Chester returned back to their winning form this week in the local derby against Deeside Ladies 2nd team in the Cheshire League division one.

Chester started the first half off positively, putting pressure on the Deeside defence from the off. Opportunities to open the scoring came thick and fast, but Deeside were able to break down the opportunities. The opening goal came from Alex Gill through some skilful interplay.

Deeside were able to create a number of opportunities but found Chester defensively strong to prevent any goals, and thus keeping a clean sheet.

The first half saw one further goal come for Chester from Alex Gill to make the score 2-0 at half time reflecting the dominance that Chester had during the first half.

The second half continued in the same vane that the first half finished with Chester motivated to extend the score line and maintain their presence on the pitch. Further goals came from Emma Blair and 2 from Alex Gill to give her a total of 4 goals.

A fantastic team effort to create an emphatic win over Deeside.

Next Saturday Chester face Poynton 3’s in the Cheshire League away.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Oxton 2nd - Cheshire Ladies Cup, 15th December 2007

Won 6-0

Team : Melanie Coulson (Captain), Kirstie Sneyd, Rachael Darling, Katherine Hoey, Emma Blaire, Siobhan Barnard, Donna Jones, Alex Gill, Laura Wilson, Philippa Brooking and Sian French.

Chester faced Oxton Ladies 2’s in the first round of the Cheshire Cup this Saturday at home. From the sound of the whistle Chester demonstrated composure and experience on the ball by creating forward and attacking moves.

Chester opened the scoring with a perfectly timed and placed ball from Donna Jones to find Philippa Brooking on the left post to claim an early goal. The goals kept on coming throughout the first half with the second goal from a quickly taken and perfectly placed free hit from Rachael Darling causing the Oxton defence problems, which created a scuffle where Alex Gill was able to take advantage to direct the ball into the goal.

Chester’s third goal was a result of an incredible drive down the left wing from Sian French who laid the ball off to Emma Blair to deflect to a waiting Donna Jones who drove past her defender to score with an Ariel shot leaving the GK standing.

Chester took control of the game with the defence suppressing all of Oxton’s attacks. One final goal came before half time for Chester by Emma Blair. Emma picked up the ball on the 25 with immense composure and drove down the right wing through the Oxton defence and completed the run with a dream strike to leaving the GK with no hope.

The second half saw Chester continue in the same vain that they ended the first half. Creating numerous goal scoring opportunities with a goal coming as a result of a wonderfully driven ball from Donna Jones to find Alex Gill in the D who deflected into the goal.

Oxton came close to scoring late in the second half but a diving Chester Keeper cleared the ball off the goal line to keep a clean scoring sheet.

Chester sealed their victory with a final goal coming from a quick free hit by Rachael Darling to find Alex Gill waiting who turned to place passed the Oxton Keeper.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Brooklands 1st - Saturday 8th December 2007

Won 4-1

Chester faced Brooklands in the return fixture in the Chester League Division One on Saturday. Chester utilised the experienced gained from the disappointing first game to ensure they were able to capitalise on Brooklands weaknesses.

Chester opened the first half with the same motivation and drive they have demonstrated throughout the season, with great communication on and off the ball. Chester were able to open the scoring early on in the game with a magnificently placed ball into the dee from Emma Blair to find Donna Jones who was able to use her outstanding skills to place a reverse stick shot into the top right hand side of the net.

Brooklands had limited opportunities throughout the game but were able to profit from one of their chances to equal the score (1-1). Despite Chester’s first-class ball pace, pitch presence and attacking play they were unable to extend their goal tally further before half time.

Inspired after the half time talk Chester returned to the game energised in the hope that all their hard work and advantage would result in further goals. Shortly after half time Chester took full advantage of some skilful play when Donna Jones played in the ball from the right half of the field to a ready Philippa Brooking to deflect passed the Brookland GK (2-1). The lead boosted Chester even further with attacking runs coming from the defence. The third goal saw Melanie Coulson dribble the ball all the way from the 25 yd line and before the Brooklands defence were able to react the ball was played passed the GK into the goal by Mel(3-1).

The final goal which truly secured Chester’s victory and standing in the league game from Jill Proctor with a reverse stick deflection into the goal (4-1), securing a very well deserved 3 points to hold their second place position in the league.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Neston - Saturday 1st December 2007

Lost 3-2

Chester played their return fixture against Neston on Saturday and came away with a disappointing result. Although Chester had most of the possession and had many chances on goal, it just didn't work for them.

Chester with a slightly different line up looked a little off the pace to start with, but once they over came this, they were on top of the opposition.

Chester took the lead, but Neston equalised against the run of play from a fast break, as the Chester defense left the keeper exposed. The tempo of the game dropped and it became very scrappy, this along with some poor umpiring decisions saw Chester's heads drop and Neston were able to take advantage and take the lead before half time. After a discussion at half time, the Ladies were well aware of what was wrong. They battled hard, taking fifty/fifty balls, pressuring any possession that Neston had switching the ball tiring the Neston girls out. Chester's hard work was rewarded with a goal to equalise.

All they had to do was keep this hard work up and the game was in the bag, but some confusion at the back led to an unexpected Neston goal, with only a few minutes left on the clock, Chester were unable to pull back a draw, the final score being 3-2 to Neston.

Chester play Brooklands next week and are positive they will take all three points.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Neston 1st X1 - Saturday 24th November 2007

Won 6-1

Chester enforced their position in the Cheshire League Division One on the weekend when Neston 1’s visited Chester. Chester played attacking and positive hockey from the whistle putting pressure on the Neston defence and goal. Chester were able to keep great ball pace and awareness, moving the ball around with very few unforced errors. This play created many opportunities to open the scoring, however frustratingly for Chester Neston were able to prevent all of the attacking play with some great goal keeping saves to keep the score 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw Chester determined and motivated and continued the positive forward play and stepping up the momentum and tempo of the game. Chester were eventually rewarded with their first goal from a perfectly placed ball from Nicole Haigh to Nicola Sutcliffe to place in the back of the goal. Chester were inspired by the goal which just opened the further opportunities which Chester were able to convert. Goals came from Nicola Sutcliffe (3), Donna Jones (2) and Alex Gill (1) demonstrating the flare and composure on the ball.

Chester only conceded one goal late in the game from a ball into the dee from Neston which then took a Chester deflection to put the ball out of the Chester GK reach to put the final score at 6-1. Chester put in a great performance all round which was reflected in the final score.

Chester visit Neston next Saturday for the return leg in the league and hope to maintain the exhibition hockey.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Macclesfield - Saturday 17th November 2007

Lost 2-1

Chester traveled to Macclesfield this weekend in the Cheshire League Division 1 in the hopes of continuing their winning successes. Chester started off strong with many opportunities coming from continuous pressure and skill play. The visiting team forced a number of short corners, and were unfortunately denied a set play shortcorner from a ball fed into Mel Coulson to slot past the Macclesfield GK onto the backboard of which the umpire felt it was not a goal.

Chester continued the pressure and held tight throughout the defense throughout the first half to finish 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw Chester concede a short corner, however the Macclesfield placement of the ball past the Chester defense opened the scoring. Chester were quick to respond with a amazing run from Nicole Haigh from the midfield with a well timed pass to Emma Blair to equal the score at 1-1. Chester used this goal as motivation to step the game up to create further opportunities, but unfortunately due to the high play Chester left the goal exposed on a break Macclesfield were 2 players against the Chester GK and were able to play the ball around the GK and into the net (2-1).

Chester continued to push forward but despite their great game play were unable to equalize or take the lead. Chester were able to keep the score at 2-1 with a fantastic goal line save from Mel Coulson from a deflected ball from the Chester GK.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Brooklands 1st - Saturday 3rd November 2007

Lost 1-2

Chester Ladies 2’s had a disappointing visit to Brooklands on Saturday in the Cheshire League Division 1. Chester started the game off well with an opening goal coming from Laura Wilson in the first 5 minutes from a well fought attack. Chester continued the pressure on Brooklands defence with great movement and confidence but were unable to find the back board.

Brooklands were able to settle into the game and equalise through a lifted ball past the Chester GK. A few minutes later Brooklands were able to progress further with another goal to make the score 2-1 at half time.

The second half saw Chester take full control of the game with great attacking interplay, organising their attacking line to create many opportunities and short corner possibilities but were unfortunately denied on numerous occasions by the Brooklands GK.

Chester finished the game with a disappointing score line of 1-2 which didn’t reflect the hard work, attacking play skill and flare that Chester demonstrated throughout the game.

Chester hopes to regain their strong position when Poynton visit Chester next Saturday.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Oxton Ladies 1st - Saturday 27th October 2007

Score 2-1
M.O.M: Philippa Brooking

Chester Ladies 2’s maintained their winning performance this weekend with a 2-1 win against Cheshire League oppositions Oxton Ladies 1’s.

Chester started off the game defensively strong with skilful play across the back, breaking down Oxton’s attacking play. Good communication in Chester’s defence prevented opportunities for Oxton to open the scoring.

After a slightly unsettling start Chester then pilled on the pressure creating many opportunities and forcing the Oxton defence to shutdown Chester’s attacking line. However Chester were able to continue the pressure to open the scoring through the relentless effort, with the first goal coming from Melanie Coulson to close the first half.

The second half saw Chester continue the attacking force that was witnessed in the first half, creating many opportunities to extend the score-line. Oxton were able to convert one of their attacking plays to equal the score 1-1. This only energised Chester with skilful interplay and a drive from midfield to give Chester the lead 2-1 with a goal from Dawn Nunes.

The game saw the ball travel from end to end with many opportunities for both teams, however Chester’s determination and motivation ensure that they were the better team on the day, leaving the weekend with a further 3 points to keep them at the top of the Cheshire League Division 1.

Chester hope to continue their winning success with a visit to Brooklands next Saturday.

Ladies 2nd X1 vs Deeside 2’s - Saturday 13th October 2007

Won 3-1

Chester went back to their winning ways this weekend when they travelled to Deeside in the Chester League Division 1 to take them back up the top of the table (2nd). Chester settled into the game early creating goal scoring opportunities and were able to open the scoring with a goal from Emma Blair in open play.
Chester’s experienced defence held strong throughout the first half suppressing the Deeside attacks to keep the score 1-0 at half time.
Chester continued to pile on the pressure as they had during the first half with lots of attacking play. Despite the great Chester play Deeside were able to draw the score line level 1-1. However this motivated Chester even more to get the 3 points for the win.
Two well executed set play short corners were able to give Chester the much deserved points for the win with 2 perfectly placed goals by Melanie Coulson, created from 2 well rehearsed set plays.
Chester face Bowden at home next Saturday for a friendly at 2pm.