WOMENS | Fitzsimons encouraged by start to season

Chester FC Women’s manager Martin Fitzsimons has been encouraged with the start his side have made to the campaign.

The Blues are among the early pacesetters in North West Women’s Regional Football League Division One South with six points from three games.

Wins against Burscough Dynamo and Wythenshawe Amateurs either side of a narrow defeat at West Kirby mean the squad are in confident mood heading into a trip to Altrincham this Sunday.

Abi France starred in the 6-0 win against Burscough at the Deva Stadium in the season opener before the Blues slipped to a midweek 2-1 loss at West Kirby despite a Lucy Adderley effort, but four goals from Rachel Lever helped them to a 6-2 victory against Wythenshawe on Sunday afternoon at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.

Fitzsimons said: “The reaction we’ve had to the women’s section this season has been nothing sort of fantastic, proven by the attendance at our first league game of the season at the Deva Stadium getting just under 200 people there.

“After the West Kirby game, we we needed a positive response against Wythenshawe and had a real determination to get back to winning ways. That’s exactly what happened thanks to another dominating performance that saw us score six goals and we were disappointed with the two we conceded.

“We are happy with the consistency levels of the performances. We are scoring goals and looking defensively solid,

“We couldn’t be happier with how hard the squad is working and their ability to execute game plans. The players have taken on a completely new style of play in such a short space of time and taken positive result.

“Whilst we were disappointed with the defeat at West Kirby, six points from three games is positive. Altrinhcam will provide with a new test but one will prepare for and strive for the performance levels we know the team can achieve.”

Following this weekend’s visit to Altrincham, the Blues are back in action on Sunday 22nd September when Salford City Lionesses visit Ellesmere Port Sports Village. Admission to the game, which kicks off at 2pm, is free.