Chichester ladies have no need to suffer in Suffolk

Chichester found their form on a long journey to one of the league favourites.

Ipswich were relegated from the National South league last season and are out for promotion.

Off the back of two defeats Chichester needed something special to win this one - and that came in the form of four goals from Abbey Shrubb.

Ipswich dominated the early exchanges and could have gone in front while Chichester struggled to string anything together.

Ipswich continued to press and went one up before Shrubb found her form and smashed in two quick goals before half-time.

Chichester took control in the second half, mainly through woman of the match Madden controlling the middle of the park.

A further two goals from Shrubb, including a sensational 30-yard set-piece, sent the Lillywhites to victory.

Ipswich earned a late consolation from a penalty.

This week Chichester face league leaders Chesham at Oaklands Park (2pm). Admission is just £2.

CHICHESTER: McNamara, Hughes-Jones, Richardson, Starkey, Paul, Willett (c), Madden, Widdowson, Wride, Challen, Shrubb, Pittounikos, Evans, Harnett.

Chichester City Ladies Res 2 Rottingdean 1

BATTLES between these two teams over the years have been fierce – and this was as tight as ever. Chichester started in awesome fashion and quick football on the break saw new girl Amy Bailey hit a shot from the edge of the 18-yard box into the top corner to make it 1-0 within two minutes.

Chichester were struggling with the heat and had an altered line-up and Rottingdean started to take charge.

Chichester keeper Vicky Bernard made good saves to keep them in the lead at half-time.

Rottingdean were working harder than Chichester and poor defending found the Rottingdean striker free in the area from a cross, and when the ball hit the post it rolled in the other corner to make it 1-1 after 50 minutes.

Chichester started to pick up their game as the half progressed and Jess Harnett was getting more involved.

Kally Ambler had efforts saved by the Rottingdean keeper and Jemma Cottam-Verbruggen hit the bar.

Harnett, with time on the ball, picked her spot and hit the top corner from 25 yards to make it 2-1 to Chichester with 15 minutes to go.

The defence and midfield were working to stop Rottingdean shooting but it was an outstanding save from woman of the match Bernard that meant Chichester held on.

Six points from two games is a great start to the season and the reserves travel to Crawley this week.

CHICHESTER: Bernard, Halford, Steed, Alexandre, Stanbridge, Bailey, Cottam-Verbruggen, Ogden,

Selby, Grant, Ambler, Subs: Whelan, Harnett, Fisher, Ellis.