Match report
The Cestrians went into this SSE Womens FA Cup game with confidence, against Stoke City a team from a higher Division, having given some impressive displays in recent games. Chester le Street were able to recall Amy Kelly, Stephanie Lorraine, and Elizabeth Thompson-Clarke to their line -up but were without Central defender Brogan Prudhoe. Mascots for the day were members of Chester le Street Town U8 Girls team. A special mention also to the Chester le Street ground staff to get the game playable following the recent heavy rain and the previous days game
Stoke attacked straight from the kick off, but the Cestrians defenders handled them well in the early stages. Stoke hit the post after 10 minutes but the shot rebounded away to safety. As the Cestrians came more into the game so too did Lizzy Thompson- Clarke who caused problems with her surging runs down the right, while Stoke continued to probe for openings without troubling keeper Robyn Parker. Chester le Street were dealt a cruel blow just prior to the interval when Lizzy Thompson Clarke on one of her forays pulled up with a hamstring injury to take no further part in the action and was replaced by Kacie Elson
The Cestrians started brightly in the second half, looking to work an opening to get Nic Havery in on goal, but the Stoke defence were able to clear. Chester were dealt a second blow when Kacie Elson was viewed to have retaliated against a Stoke player who had fouled her and was sent off leaving the Cestrians down to 10 players.
Stoke with the extra player started to ask questions of the Chester le Street girls and scored two goals in the last 20 mins to secure a place in the next round. This was another good display from the Cestrian Ladies in front of 100 spectators. A disappointment but still plenty to play for in the season
Team: Robyn Parker, Katie Ellison, Stephanie Lorraine, Anna Collin (capt), Amy Kelly, Rachel Mellor, Elizabeth Thompson Clarke,(Kacie Elson 40 mins), Sarah Burn, Nichole Havery, Laura Hockaday, Jessica Ellison
Subs: Lucy Jackman, Kacie Elson, Amy Lawson, Lynsey Wilkinson
Next Sunday Chester le Street Town Ladies are away to Liverpool Marshall Feds in the National League Plate 2nd Round ko 2.00pm
