ladies first team fight forces of nature

4 march 2006
Ladies 1st v Preston 1st
Won 2 - 1
Scorers: Lucy “Crouchy” Ratcliffe, Emma Harper / Tes Whieldon

The Chester Ladies literally fought the forces of nature on Saturday, clearing two inches of snow from a covered home pitch to enable the game to go ahead in the bottom of the table six pointer. The supreme efforts of the team before the game were translated into a strong team performance that epitomised the spirit within the squad and club.

Chester conceded an early goal from a well worked short corner, but heads never dropped and shortly after Lucy "Crouchy" Ratcliffe scored a stunning diving goal from a well rehearsed short corner. With ten minutes to go the game looked like heading for a draw; a result Chester could not afford.

However, strong attacking play from Chester eventually led to another short corner, this time a drag flick from Emma Harper forced into the net by Tes Whieldon was enough to give Chester the lead and despite pressure from Preston, Chester were able to hold on for victory.

Chester have now moved off the bottom of the table and have a two point advantage over Preston. Chester travel to Belper on Sat 11 March, hoping to secure more points and continue their rise up the table.