Ladies' football: Chichester nick local pride - and vital win - at Worthing

With Chichester second in the league behind Worthing and both teams unbeaten this season, this was always going to have a big impact on the season.

Chichester got in behind the back four within two minutes when Jemma Cottam-Verbruggen found Kally Ambler with a superb through-ball only for the Worthing keeper to save well.

Worthing had a similar opportunity only for a Worthing striker to put her shot wide.

Ambler was put through again but fired her shot wide. Georgia Selby, in central midfield, was playing well while spreading the play to the wings.

Chichester were on top and causing problems for the Worthing defence.

A couple more opportunities came and went for Chichester with Worthing being thwarted by Becky Steed and Gemma Halford.

Good build-up play between Kerri Grant and Ambler set up Amy Bailey, who drove at the Worthing full-back, turned on to her left foot and hit a strike too hot for the Worthing keeper to handle and give Chichester the half-time lead.

Worthing tried long balls over the top of Chichester’s back four but they were cut out or gathered by Lizzie Ogden in Chichester’s goal.

Ogden pulled off an outstanding save which Ellie Thorne cleared for a corner. Ogden made other stops as Worthing began to try their luck from long range.

Chichester were more likely to score - every time they went forward they looked dangerous - but Worthing’s centre-back was having a great game.

A cross from the right was met by Ambler, whose sweet volley smashed against the bar. It looked like it had bounced over the line but no goal was given.

Lucy Stanbridge was playing well while subs Jess Harnett and Gabi Fisher made good contributions while on the field.

Worthing were given a soft penalty as Steed was unable to get out the way of the Worthing striker.

Chichester felt justice was done as the Worthing striker struck the kick over.

Abbey Shrubb was shown a red card for violent conduct and Chichester had to play the last 15 minutes with ten players.

This was a great team performance from the ladies and if Chichester win their game in hand they will return to top spot.

On Sunday the reserves host Rusthall in the league cup at Florence Road (1.30pm).

CHICHESTER: Ogden, Stanbridge, Steed, Halford, Thorne, Selby, Cottam-Verbruggen, Bailey, Ambler, Grant, Ellis, Subs: Harnett, Fisher, Shrubb.