Chester Women FC bowed out of FA Cheshire County Cup at the Quarter Final stage following a 9-0 defeat by a dominant Stockport County LFC side. The National League North side showed they were just too good on the day for The Seals.
This was the second time this season Chester has been drawn against a higher-ranked team in a cup competition following a game earlier this year against Manchester Stingers. From the get-go, Chester tried to enforce themselves on the Stockport defence but couldn't force a way through an occurring theme throughout the match.
Chester manager Martin Fitzsimons rang the changes for this game with striker Amy Broomhead dropping to the bench and Sarah Gill leading the line for the Blues, Hannah Snape was also given a start in the heart of midfield. New signing Anna Jones was also included on the bench after her transfer from Llandudno Ladies was completed on Thursday.
Stockport began the game the strongest and created the first opening, a fast-flowing move down the left side saw Chloe Mapp deliver a brilliant ball to the far post which just evaded an onrushing touch from Jade Parker. Moments later Stockport got closer a loose ball fell to Sophie John who's shot from distance cannoned back of Charlie Wareing's bar and away to safety, the danger signs were beginning to show for the Blues early on.
With the mounting early pressure on the Seals, the next chance would fall to Striker Rachel Lever. A lovely weighted through ball from midfielder Hannah Stape found the forward who saw her shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounce away, a promising moment for Chester.
On 25th minutes Stockport took the lead in very controversial fashion, a ball played across the six-yard box found Mapp who smashed an effort into the top left corner. Chester manager Fitzsimons' was adamant that the striker was in an offside position when she received the ball but the official didn't raise her flag and Stockport were in front.
Parker then doubled the National League sides lead just over 10 minutes later sliding the ball into an open goal and it was already looking a long way back for Chester. Just before half-time, it became three a through ball from Hanifa Douglas found Mapp once more as she grabbed her second of the game, Stockport lead 3-0 at the break.
After the break, the pattern of play continued with Stockport very much controlling the game 3-0 soon became 4 with Mapp grabbing a third and hat-trick for the striker it was all too easy.
Amy Broomhead and new signing Anna Jones were both brought on early in the second half to try and add threat upfront for Chester. The Seals were finding it very hard to break down a very well drilled side in Stockport, with half an hour to go Mapp grabbed her fourth to make it 5-0 with a nicely taken finish into the bottom corner.
It wasn't for the lack of trying from Chester, Hannah Snape had a long-range free-kick from distance tipped over the bar by the keeper. Stockport would eventually run out 9-0 winners adding a further four goals in the last 20 minutes. A tough day at the office for Chester and one they'll want to forget about very quickly.
Chester will now turn their attention to the end of the season run-in, in hope of claiming 3rd spot in the table. The Blues face Didsbury at home next weekend.
Comentários