City ladies enjoy Isle of Wight victory

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Shanklin Ladies 1 Chichester City Ladies 2

Goals from Kally Ambler and Naomi Greene gave Chichester a winning start to 2015.

In the opening minutes, striker Kally Ambler was in on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat but she hit her shot straight at her.

It didn’t take long for Chichester to take the lead, though, as an almost carbon-copy piece of play saw Ambler again one on one, this time coolly slotting in.

City were two to the good when, after neat play involving Lauren Cheshire and Dowdell, Greene’s shot from just inside the area flew into the far corner.

Shanklin began to use the strong wind to their advantage by sending long balls into the box and a succession of Shanklin corners were dealt with. Goalkeeper Piiroinen commanded her defence and showed bravery to claim the ball.

As the second half wore on, the game became very disjointed. Shanklin’s direct style led to their only shot on target which was looped into the net by the Shanklin winger.

City are away to St Nicholas Ladies this Sunday (2pm).

Chichester City Ladies Res 0 Brighton Res 6

Brighton are clearly one of the better teams in the southern reserves section.

Last time Chichester faced them they were well and truly beaten 11-0. This time the ladies wanted to improve on the scoreline and show they had improved.

Brighton, who fielded a few first-team players, started quickly but Chichester kept their shape and were defending well as a unit.

Hannah Chalk and Ellie Hawes on Chichester’s right began well and were forcing Brighton backwards.

Brighton made it 1-0 and some Chichester heads dropped. A few attacks from Brighton were defended well by Gemma Halford and Becky Steed but a cross caught keeper Hannah McNamara out of position and it was 2-0.

Natalie Clarke and Georgia Selby were doing well in midfield for City, who restricted Brighton to the odd long-range effort.

At the start of the second half, an injury meant Halford was replaced at the back by Chloe Luff and Hawes had to switch positions.

Whilst the defence was still readjusting Brighton score a tap-in on the break for 3-0.

Rachel Towler and Amber Beaven were operating well. Lauren Ellis and Jemma Cottam came on and got stuck in.

Beaven shot over from a corner and a long-range effort found its way under McNamara for 4-0.

Laura Ingram on Chichester’s right was starting to get more involved.

McNamara pulled off three great saves but Chichester were tiring. The final two goals made the scoreline look a little harsh.

Chichester are learning fast in this new league and games like this will make them better.

Their next match is away to West Ham this Sunday.