MATCH REPORT: CHESTERFIELD LADIES FC 1 - 0 LINCOLN UNITED WFC

‘The Whites’ could not bring any points home as they lost 1-0 to Chesterfield Ladies and consequently slipped behind in the promotion race.

In an end-to-end opening 15 minutes, both sides had chances to score but good defending prevented them. The visitors switched their formation in hope of gaining control of the game.

The deadlock was broken by the home team in the 18th minute. A well-worked move down United’s left side resulted in a cross into the box. Goalkeeper Amy Hood only managed to parry the ball out to a waiting attacker, who finished into the open goal.

Chesterfield Ladies FC 1 - 0 #TheWhites

The away side began to take aim at Chesterfield’s goal but wasn’t able to produce a well-placed shot to equalise. Demi Barai drove wide and Ellie Gilliatt headed onto the post, either side of the hosts hitting the crossbar from distance.

Chesterfield Ladies FC 1 - 0 Lincoln United WFC (HT)

Into the second half, ‘The Whites’ started brightly and continued to pressure the home side’s defence, but still could not manage to place the ball in the back of the net.

Betsy Thomas, Lauren Churcher, Tracey Duxbury-Mead and Gilliatt all had chances but couldn’t find the needed goal. Duxbury-Mead probably had the greatest chance to equalise, however her effort from Gilliat’s cross went wide of the back post. Among these chances, Liv Smith came on to replace Sally Cairns.

United’s afternoon went from bad to worse as Hood raced out of goal to meet the on-rushing attacker, but the ball was hit against her hand. After speaking to her for a good few minutes, the referee showed her his red card and the visitors were forced to make a change. Substitute goalkeeper Rosie Davidson replaced Duxbury-Mead, as manager Chris Funnell had to change his formation yet again.

Kaitlin Peaker came on for Frankie Wilson, as United searched for an extra attacking threat, with less than ten minutes remaining.

However, the team failed to create many meaningful chances. Smith came closest to scoring as her free kick was fired over deep into added time.

The final whistle came and, as Chesterfield celebrated victory in an extremely important game, the away side attempted to re-group and get ready for their next game. They next play away at Ilkeston Town in the semi-final of the League Cup on 12th March.

Chesterfield Ladies FC 1 - 0 Lincoln United WFC (FT)

They’ll hope to reach their second cup final this season, alongside continuing their fight to catch up to leaders Notts County in the league.

Match report by James Ede, photo by JH Media.