Chichester City Ladies put up brave fight before cup final heartbreak - report and picture special

They may not have come home with the Sussex Challenge Cup but Chichester City Ladies turned in their best performance of the season in the final against Crawley Wasps.
By Mikki Collins
Published 23rd Feb 2020, 18:00 BST
Updated 23rd Feb 2020, 18:46 BST
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Having lost 7-1 to the Wasps - who head the FA Women’s National League southern premier division - earlier in the season, Chi City were the underdogs for the final at Sussex FA HQ in Lancing.

But the green and white army took the Wasps all the way to penalties after Becca Bell scored an equaliser in the 55th minute to cancel out Crawley's lead given them when Ellie Russell headed home in the first half.

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The Wasps couldn’t keep up their first-half momentum as Chi moved up a gear in the second half. Wasps weren’t able to deal with Tash Wild’s pace in the lead-up to Bell’s goal.

Chi City Ladies and Crawley Wasps contest the Sussex Cup final / Picture: Sheena BookerChi City Ladies and Crawley Wasps contest the Sussex Cup final / Picture: Sheena Booker
Chi City Ladies and Crawley Wasps contest the Sussex Cup final / Picture: Sheena Booker

A stand-out performance from Issy Foster in goal kept Chichester firmly in the final and contenders to lift the Sussex Challenge Cup.

In extra-time, Crawley enjoyed the majority of possession, however Chichester gave their all to keep the game and take it to penalties.

In the shootour Amy Martins scored to put Chi in the lead and Crawley missed the target with their first penalty, and the cup was within reaching distance for Sadie Blakely’s side. However, Crawley’s experience shone through to earn them a 4-3 win.

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Chi Ladies chairwoman Caz Evans said: “I couldn’t be prouder of this team right now! They pushed Crawley all the way and showed what they are capable of. I’m gutted for them but excited for the future of this young side.”

Chi City Ladies and Crawley Wasps contest the Sussex Cup final / Picture: Sheena BookerChi City Ladies and Crawley Wasps contest the Sussex Cup final / Picture: Sheena Booker
Chi City Ladies and Crawley Wasps contest the Sussex Cup final / Picture: Sheena Booker

After an incredibly disciplined performance, first team manager Blakely said: “This is credit to all CCLFC players, coaches, staff and committee. This wouldn’t have happened without these amazing people so thank you all - but it’s onwards and upwards now until the end of thr season. A big fight [in the league] lies ahead.”

City’s focus is on a relegation battle as they bid to stay in the FAWNL for next season. They face Crawley Wasps again - away from home in the sides' second league match of the season - on Wednesday evening.

Chi City Ladies: Foster, Burke, Lake, Howden, Capel-Watson, Laczkovszki, Fox (c), Simmonds, Bell, Wild, Martins.

Related topics:Crawley