Football: Chichester ladies build up to big campaign

More than 25 players have turned out for the first team sessions and the existing squad has been boosted with the addition of new players including former Brighton winger Chantelle Studwick.

With positions on the pitch being highly contested, the work rate of the ladies has been outstanding.

This has been reflected in the on-pitch performances in both pre-season matches.

Chi travelled to face Lewes ladies, who play in the division above the Lillywhites. Chichester looked strong and competitive throughout, moving the ball well around the pitch.

Challen got on the end of a low cross to slot the ball home to put Chichester in front. With both sides making several changes, neither squad took full control and the outstanding Lewes centre-back denied many Chichester opportunities.

Late in the game Lewes exploited Chichester’s defensive mistakes and equalised to secure a 1-1 draw.

Last Sunday Chichester travelled to play old rivals Denham ladies. Although Chi were slow out of the blocks they soon took control against the South East Combination League side and rolled out 3-1 winners.

There were outstanding performance for Taylor McGlashan in the Chichester defence and Studwick, Shrubb, Challen and Ambler being a constant threat to the Denham goal.