The seals have made a bright start in the North West Women’s Regional League and currently sit third in the table after ten games, accumulating fourteen points with four wins, two draws and two defeats.
Chester under the new leadership of manager Martin Fitzsimons who was appointed manager in the summer, have looked to be going from strength and strength as the season has progressed. With his defensive style of play, Martin has imprinted his philosophy on the team.
Playing it out quickly from the back with both defenders asked to push upfield to support the attack, a conventional number 9 and a number 10 occupying the space behind. The formation has seen the team score 22 goals in 10 games in the league with a further 5 coming in the cup. Speaking about his style of play Martin told us “We talk about playing out from the back, but it’s important to know when and where to do it and to make the correct decision. There are times where we do encourage the big boot to come out and go long into the striker. When defences leave space in behind I feel the long ball works really well for us. It’s also important for central midfielders to take and drive the ball at the defenders to create space for the attackers”.
The Blues have looked formidable at home this season so far having only suffered defeat once at hands of Altrincham, although a 3-1 home victory over highflyers Salford City Lionesses who currently occupy 1st place in the table is sure to be the highlight of the season so far. Chester will look to improve their away form in the second half of the season having only picked up two wins on the road, the latter coming last weekend in a pulsating 5-3 victory at Wythenshawe a game in which The Seals trailed 2-1 in. In the league this season Chester arr currently averaging 3.2 goals per game which is an incredible stat to have.
Aside from the league Chester have also progressed to the second round of the County Cup following a 5-0 victory against Ashville. The game played at the newly named 1885 Arena attracted close to 200 spectators something that Chester Women are looking to improve and attract more people down to cheer the side on.
Chester will face West Kirby away from home in the second round the tie is due to be played on 19th January 2020. The Blues have also been drawn to play Manchester Stingers in the League Cup 1st round, that tie will be played a week prior to the County Cup.
Forward Rachel Lever has been in fantastic form this season for The Seals scoring eight goals in all competitions and is a real asset for Chester going forward. Predominantly played on the left Lever has a huge amount of aggression and pace to beat any defender on her day, an eye for goal which has seen her climb to the top of charts at the halfway stage of the season. Chester’s number 11 will certainly be looking to add more goals in the coming games and turn her total into double figures.
Speaking to us after the 5-0 victory Lever revealed that despite being top scorer this season she doesn’t set targets and just goes out to win. “I don't set myself targets, to be honest, I come out every week to win I don't come out to lose I never have done since I started playing football. If I score I score if I set one up I set one up, at the end of the game it's a team game and If we win I'm happy with that”.
Following the home defeat to Altrincham, The Blues now have a winter break for around three weeks but will look to bounce back against West Kirby in the cup.
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