Chichester ladies make their point at Swindon

City travelled with a strong squad for the start of a run of three games in five against title challengers.

The scoring was opened when a long-range effort wasn’t gathered clearly by Nea Piiroinen in the Chichester goal and the follow-up was tapped in by the onrushing Swindon striker.

Chichester upped their tempo and forced several-set pieces and it was one of these that led to the equaliser.

A free-kick into the box was cleared and fell to the edge of the area where Becky Barron unleashed a volley which caught the home keeper off-guard and flew in.

Chichester continued to dominate and should have led through chances for Kally Ambler in open play and Taylor McGlashan and Emma Alexandre from corners.

There was frustration for Chichester when a throw-in down the right right put Ambler in behind the Swindon backline via a flick-on by the Swindon left-back. With Ambler bearing in on goal, the referee gave Ambler offside, despite the ball having come from a throw and a defender’s touch.

As the second half began, the weather worsened and heavy rain accompanied a strong wind.

Swindon stepped up their game but Chichester, playing against the driving rain, looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

Twice, Swindon strikers found themselves one on one with Piiroinen but she was more than a match for them, pulling off two great saves.

Chichester’s best chance fell to Ambler as debutant Amy Found found her with an accurate pass. She beat two defenders but shot wide of the far post.

The draw was a good result for Chichester though it was a game they could have won.

City ladies are at home this Sunday against St Nicholas (2pm).

Next Thursday evening, Chichester play Brighton in the Sussex Cup final at Lancing – a fixture they won last year.