A set back for Chelsea Ladies last time out taking on Manchester City Women, both sides with a 100% win record going into the game, Chelsea Ladies game plan not coming off as they suffered their 1st league defeat of the season losing 2-0 to see Manchester City Women open up a 6 point lead at the top. Now they welcome Sunderland AFC Ladies to Staines Town FC this Wednesday night hoping to make sure they don't have a repeat of last season when they suffered a loss to Manchester City Women in the league then lost again at Sunderland AFC Ladies.
Sunderland AFC Ladies will be hoping history repeats itself albeit on the road this time around a long midweek trip down south as they continue to search for their 1st league win of the season, having played 5 so far losing 2 and drawing 3. Their 2nd season competing in FAWSL 1 they hit the ground running last time around 3 points tonight however would see them go into the mid-season break in amongst the sides in the middle of the table.
Chelsea Ladies starting XI - Hedvig Lindahl, Hannah Blundell, Claire Rafferty, Gilly Flaherty, Niamh Fahey, Katie Chapman (C), Karen Carney, Ji So-Yun, Gemma Davison, Fran Kirby & Eniola Aluko.
subs - Becky Spencer, Millie Bright, Laura Rafferty, Ana Borges, Beth England, Drew Spence & Jade Bailey
Sunderland AFC Ladies starting XI - Rachael Laws, Victoria Williams, Danielle Brown, Stephanie Bannon (C), Hayley Sharp, Lucy Staniforth, Brooke Chaplin, Kelly McDougall, Stephanie Roche, Kiera Ramshaw & Beth Mead.
subs - Hilde Gunn Olsen, Rachel Furness, Abbey Holmes, Megan Beer, Charlotte Potts, Krystle Johnston & Abbey Joice.
It's the visitors to kick off the 1st half, Sunderland wearing red and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks, with Chelsea lined up opposite wearing blue shirts and socks with white socks going for a more attack minded line up tonight with Karen Carney and Gemma Davison starting over Drew Spence and Millie Bright.The ball is played out to Stephanie Roche on the left side attacking for Sunderland takes the ball inside tries to pick out Beth Mead making a forwards run, the pass is to close to Chelsea centre back Gilly Flaherty she gets the ball back to her goalkeeper, Hedvig Lindahl.
Chelsea attack the ball brought down the right wing by Gemma Davison has Fran Kirby ahead of her with Korean International Ji So-Yun also coming across between the three the ball is with Kirby who looks to power a cross into towards the penalty spot the ball is instead cut out and deflected behind for a corner. Carney plays the corner in from the right side in towards the penalty spot area, Flaherty up from the back rises and gets a good header on the ball directing it towards goal, the effort going over the crossbar.
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| Gilly Flaherty with an early chance for Chelsea Ladies heading over. |
Plenty of attacking options on the pitch for Chelsea and they are using everyone creating space out wide as they push players forwards, Carney has drifted out to the left side receives the ball from Claire Rafferty behind her, takes it inside before looking to hit a cross into the crowd lining up in front of the box, Victoria Williams steps out from the back line to get hold of the ball and clear it.
GOAL! Play is congested in the middle, both sides sharp to close down before is pops free in favour of Sunderland, Mead after it breaking clear into the right channel 20 yards out cuts in from the right corner of the Chelsea box then sends a great ball across the area to pick out Roche making the run on the left side by the D entering the box, hits the shot early a low drive put across the diving Lindahl and into the back of the net 0-1 to the visitors.
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| Irish International, Stephanie Roche, pictured with Chelsea Ladies, Hannah Blundell opens the scoring for Sunderland |
GOAL! Sunderland's goal is short lived as Chelsea go on the attack right from the restart the ball played out to Eniola Aluko on the left she is fouled the free kick given away an inviting position 25 yards out for Carney to deliver into the area. Puts a great ball in with Chelsea captain, Katie Chapman coming to the near side unmarked 8 yards or so out to leap and getting firm connection with the ball power it into the goal, 1-1.
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| Chelsea Ladies captain, Katie Chapman pictures on the ball scores with her head to make it 1-1. |
Davison on the left now is played in down the wing taking the ball on into the corner turns inside to get into the box, Sunderland full back Danielle Brown gets back on her and tackling puts the ball behind for a corner kick. From the left side the corner comes in once again Chapman is the target deeper this time can't get over the ball heads it back outside the area, falling to Kirby 20 yards out goes for the shot firing into a crowded box ahead of her takes a deflection taking it wide for another corner, from the right side this time Roche back defending headers the ball clear.
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| Chelsea Ladies, Claire Rafferty |
Both full backs are getting forwards for Chelsea Ladies, Rafferty on the left and Hannah Blundell on the right, the latter bringing the ball on has support form So-Yun the ball is lifted into the area, Williams is on hand to get it clear for Sunderland. From a Sunderland attack, Chelsea launch a counter attack, Chapman diving in as she tracks back to take the ball from Mead deep in the right, Carney prevents it going out for the throw then bringing the ball on has Aluko ahead of her players the striker in as she times her run perfectly to get in behind the Sunderland defence, Laws comes racing out to the right side of her area to confront her, Aluko tries to smuggle the ball past the keeper as she goes to ground, Laws does well managing to stop the ball with her legs then smother it. Aluko has another opportunity soon after taking on the shot from outside the area 20 yards out puts the ball straight at Laws who holds onto it.
GOAL! 20 minutes into the 1st half and Chelsea take the lead Aluko is involved again as she moves out to the left side finding space as she takes the ball forwards into the area closing on the byline cuts back inside to put the ball up towards the far post, where Kirby has arrived leaps up to head the ball into the top corner and score 2-1.
Brown like Williams playing full back for Sunderland is having a busy game with Chelsea switching attacking position constantly it's a good challenge for the right back, gets the better of Davison this time sending her clearance long, Mead sniffs and opportunity breaking clear of the Chelsea defence, so too does Lindahl realise the threat as she comes racing out of her area to get to the ball 1st sliding in to block with her legs.
Rafferty has gone down off the ball and after the treatment on the pitch has to come off Portuguese International, Ana Borges comes on to take up the left back role. Kirby controls a long range pass on the edge of the Sunderland area played up to her by Flaherty from the back, holding it up has So-Yun coming towards her plays her in the Korean drills her shot low and fast wide of goal.
Chelsea's interplay is very good tonight, using the full width of the pitch they are making Sunderland work hard to try and close it down often pulling players across the pitch more than once both Borges and Davison are standing wide left no involved in the action, but ready to spring into action when the ball is won back. Brooke Chaplin isn't able to get forwards and support Mead as she often does so effectively for Sunderland.
Chelsea win a corner on the right side the ball played in towards Chapman again, is knocked out of the area, falling to Aluko outside the box, smashes a shot back in, Williams gets something on it to knock it clear rolls straight to Davison standing to the left corner of the area, looks to line a shot up a curler into the top corner, drops wide of the target. Davison brings the ball inside as she attacks down the left for Chelsea, fires the ball on the diagonal towards the right side of the Sunderland area with Aluko making the run, hits it on the stride blasting the shot wide of goal.
Sunderland captain, Stephanie Bannon, blocks a shot as Carney looks to power her way through the middle with the ball. Chelsea seem to be attacking at will with Sunderland not able to get hold of the ball and retain any meaningful possession. Davison on the ball left again makes a determined run inside going across the face of the Sunderland area, Kirby is there, is presented with the ball as Davison travels past her rolling it on for her, Davison smashes it goalwards, Hayley Sharp blocks the ball spinning out to Aluko on the right tries to stand a cross up into the area, Williams headers it away.
Little for Mead to feed on 1st half Chelsea have done well to keep all of Sunderland's attack minded players quiet, but Mead is a willing runner and is always looking for an opportunity to attack, Lucy Staniforth bringing the ball on plays it into space on the right side, Mead is after it, up against Flaherty the two closing in on the line Mead manages to squeeze a cross in towards the near post, Lindahl has come across and gathers the ball into her body.
A vital interception from Williams at the back for Sunderland as Chelsea break, Carney sees Aluko looking to sneak in around the back of the defence on the right tries to pick her out with a 20 yard crossfield pass, would have been through for a chance to strike at goal if Williams hadn't got there 1st. So-Yun has come over to the right getting the ball turns inside 25 yards out rolls the ball into Carney who looks to line up a shot, going for the top corner, Laws has it covered in the Sunderland goal, claims the ball.
So-Yun with a clumsy challenge to bundle Mead over in a central position as the striker looks to take the ball on 25 yards out, Roche is over the ball gets the ball around the Chelsea wall however Lindahl has plenty of time to see it and drifting across her goal saves it. One final corner coming late in the 1st half for Chelsea as So-Yun sees a 25 yarder deflected behind. The target from the corner is Flaherty rising great connection with her head sends the shot a foot over the crossbar.
Half-time Chelsea Ladies 2-1 Sunderland AFC Ladies
Despite conceding the early goal it has been one way traffic for the most part in the 1st half, as Chelsea Ladies got themselves back on level terms straight away and went on to take the lead, their attackers have caused Sunderland alot of problems all, creative players their movement and switching positions frequently has caused problems and whilst Sunderland have put alot into the 1st half defensively that has seen them with little opportunity to get their own attackers on the ball, still at 2-1 the game is still very much on as the two sides come out for the 2nd half.
Chelsea get the 2nd half underway. Straight away they are on the attack the ball with Davison looks to play the ball into the box with Kirby making the run, Laws is out sharply to close down the attacker and gather the ball. Borges surges forwards with the ball at her feet from left back looks to thread the ball through for Kirby, but she has strayed just offside. A furious start by Chelsea, Sunderland are pushed back have everyone back needing to defend cannot get the ball away. Davison on the right attacking with the ball again sends the cross in to the far post area, Aluko gets up heads the ball towards goal, Bannon back on her goal line gets in the way of it and launches it clear.
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| Sunderland AFC Ladies right back, Danielle Brown marking Chelsea Ladies, Eniola Aluko |
Aluko sees a shot fired in from outside the area, pushed away by the diving Laws. Ramshaw looks to go after the ball on the right for Sunderland getting it look to push on then pick out Mead, Niamh Fahey is across to tackle win the ball back. Fahey is up the other end in the box for a corner kick, from the right the defender moves towards the ball has 3 Sunderland defenders around her, appeals for handball but nothing is given as the ball finds its way back into the keepers gloves.
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| Sunderland AFC Ladies, Kiera Ramshaw |
Would have been a spectacular goal for Chelsea's Kirby if it had come off as she tries the over head kick from two yards inside the box as Davison attacking down the right squares the ball into her, gets the ball in towards goal, isn't far over the crossbar. Substitution for Sunderland as they bring on Krystle Johnston for Ramshaw. Free kick wide right for Chelsea, Davison short for Carney down the line in behind plays the ball into the area, Sharp wins it for Sunderland, but they don't keep hold of it for long, the ball is swept in from the right Aluko inside the box can't quite get the ball under control, sends the effort off target.
Chelsea are having al of the attack 2nd half, but for all the possession you can't help think they are over complicating things a little trying to work the perfect goal when all that's needed is something simple, extend the lead for the longer the game goes with it still being 2-1 Sunderland will feel they might get an opportunity to get back into it the visitors putting so much into defending just can't get hold of the ball.
Kirby on the ball wide right, turns inside driving forwards plays the ball across to So-Yun over on the left in front of the box, drills a shot in across the goal mouth, runs wide at the opposite post. The ball is played long from the back as Chelsea win it back from Sunderland with Davison powering her way into space taking the ball down the line cuts the cross back into the area, Kirby coming near side dummies letting the ball run on for Aluko behind her like So-Yun moments before goes for power sending it low across the goal but again it runs wide of the target.
Another change for Sunderland in midfield with Rachel Furness coming on for McDougall with 20 minutes left to play. Chelsea continue to attack have the Sunderland goal under siege. So-Yun central plays the pass to Aluko on her left, she brings the ball inside before unleashing a shot, on target comes at Laws fast, the keeper diving throws herself at the ball making a fantastic save to turn the ball over for the corner kick.
A 2nd change for Chelsea, So-Yun coming off is replaced by Drew Spence. Aluko has had a host of chances tonight thing's just not going to go in it seems, as she is played through to attack inside the box by Kirby left side Laws coming to close her down looks to send the shot in low into the bottom corner, the keeper having gone to ground early makes another great save to see the ball tuned out behind again.
Furness having come on into the middle tries to impose herself on the game give Sunderland something going forwards, rides a lunging challenge by Chapman in the centre circle the ball has gotten away from her and going after in lunges and catches Borges, the free kick giving everyone so respite as Borges receives treatment up is up an able to continue. Carney bringing the ball forwards into the left channel has Kirby and Aluko up with her between the 3 the ball as sprayed out to Davison on the right side comes inside to get into a shooting position, fires the ball in loops up off a defender and out for the corner kick.
Approaching the final quarter hour and all the time they can keep it to 2-1 Sunderland will feel they can find a way back into the match. Have a break on when Staniforth get's control of the ball in the middle Furness has burst forwards with Mead to the edge of the area, the ball is played through to her she slides it across the D into Mead who ends up on the ground as the challenge comes in the ball is loose for an instant Furness latches onto it the ball deflected at close range goes over the crossbar the corner awarded.
With the game drawing to a close and one side leading 2-1 you would expect them to start dropping deeper defend what they have, not Chelsea however they continue to push on it's working as Sunderland cannot get out of their half, Davison dribbling with the ball on the right sends a shot in low looking for the bottom corner, Laws gets down the post covered gets her gloves around the ball. Davison's last action in the match as she is substituted for Beth England.
A clumsy challenge on the left out wide sees Aluko bundled to the ground, the free kick as delivered from the wide position in towards the near post, Chapman coming to meet it stoops to head the ball turning it on target but once again Laws coming across with her is well placed to make the save. Spence gets an opportunity to shoot on goal as England wide right lays the ball into her 25 yards out, drives the ball in Sharp gets herself in the way makes the block inside the box.
It's not for want of trying 2nd half but Chelsea just cannot get the ball into the back of the net Sunderland are defending for their lives blocks and last ditch tackles as the ball is flung into the area once more. When the ball gets through the defence Laws is on hand to save, Coming inside with the ball on the right wing Kirby running into the area, pulls the trigger a rising ball Laws throws herself at it turning it behind for the corner. Attacking down the left Carney plays the ball through for Kirby now that side into the area, Laws comes Kirby manages to tap the ball beyond her but can't retrieve it before it rolls out of play. Final action of the game sees England have a strike at goal from the right sends the ball wide across the six yard box.
Chelsea Ladies win the game 2-1 doesn't reflect the amount of opportunities they created in front of goal, just wouldn't go in 2nd half. More importantly they are back to winning ways and close the gap on leaders Manchester City Women to 4 points after they were held to a goalless draw by Liverpool Ladies. A game in hand for Chelsea Ladies too the battle for the title looks to be between the pair as they go into the break with 3rd placed Birmingham City Ladies the only other side with double figures in the points column. The action resumes at the end of June.
Approaching the final quarter hour and all the time they can keep it to 2-1 Sunderland will feel they can find a way back into the match. Have a break on when Staniforth get's control of the ball in the middle Furness has burst forwards with Mead to the edge of the area, the ball is played through to her she slides it across the D into Mead who ends up on the ground as the challenge comes in the ball is loose for an instant Furness latches onto it the ball deflected at close range goes over the crossbar the corner awarded.
With the game drawing to a close and one side leading 2-1 you would expect them to start dropping deeper defend what they have, not Chelsea however they continue to push on it's working as Sunderland cannot get out of their half, Davison dribbling with the ball on the right sends a shot in low looking for the bottom corner, Laws gets down the post covered gets her gloves around the ball. Davison's last action in the match as she is substituted for Beth England.
A clumsy challenge on the left out wide sees Aluko bundled to the ground, the free kick as delivered from the wide position in towards the near post, Chapman coming to meet it stoops to head the ball turning it on target but once again Laws coming across with her is well placed to make the save. Spence gets an opportunity to shoot on goal as England wide right lays the ball into her 25 yards out, drives the ball in Sharp gets herself in the way makes the block inside the box.
It's not for want of trying 2nd half but Chelsea just cannot get the ball into the back of the net Sunderland are defending for their lives blocks and last ditch tackles as the ball is flung into the area once more. When the ball gets through the defence Laws is on hand to save, Coming inside with the ball on the right wing Kirby running into the area, pulls the trigger a rising ball Laws throws herself at it turning it behind for the corner. Attacking down the left Carney plays the ball through for Kirby now that side into the area, Laws comes Kirby manages to tap the ball beyond her but can't retrieve it before it rolls out of play. Final action of the game sees England have a strike at goal from the right sends the ball wide across the six yard box.
Chelsea Ladies win the game 2-1 doesn't reflect the amount of opportunities they created in front of goal, just wouldn't go in 2nd half. More importantly they are back to winning ways and close the gap on leaders Manchester City Women to 4 points after they were held to a goalless draw by Liverpool Ladies. A game in hand for Chelsea Ladies too the battle for the title looks to be between the pair as they go into the break with 3rd placed Birmingham City Ladies the only other side with double figures in the points column. The action resumes at the end of June.
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