CFCW Report: Chester 5-3 Runcorn Linnets

Chester FC Women staged an incredible late fightback to win an eight-goal thriller on the opening day of the NWWRFL Division One South season.

In front of a crowd of more than 150 at the Deva, Runcorn Linnets took the lead early on when a curling strike from distance just beat Ava Elkerton in the Blues goal.

But Chester were level midway through the half when Chenai Lefebvre was brought down by the Linnets ‘keeper. Lucy Adderley stepped up to smash home the equaliser.

Nevertheless, the visitors got a penalty of their own just before the break which they converted – before Katie Kelso headed just over from a corner as the visitors went in ahead at the break.

And their lead was extended on 49 minutes when a ball from the right channel flew over Elkerton’s head and into the far corner.

Chester almost went further behind but for a strong save from Elkerton, before almost reducing the deficit as new signing Emma Clausen saw her effort brilliant tipped over, and then sub Ellie Bradley was somehow denied from the resulting corner.

Clausen did give the Seals hope on 79 minutes as her cross from the left went all the way in, before a foul and a penalty a matter of seconds later saw Bradley step up to score and equalise.

With the crowd right behind them, the Blues completed a superb comeback as debutant Clausen bagged her second with a brilliant rifled effort from the edge of the area.

Deep into stoppage time, sub Evie Halliwell – back with the club for a second spell – raced clear and calmly dispatched to ensure Kalvin Williams’ side got off to a winning start on a chaotic afternoon down CH1.

Chester FC: Elkerton, Johnson, Adderley, Kelso, Mallon (Owen 62), Lefebvre (Bradley 52), Redman (Turner 78), Lee, O’Neill (Andrews 69), Summers (Halliwell 62), Clausen.

Scorers: Adderley (pen) 24, Clausen 79 & 84, Bradley (pen) 81, Halliwell 90+4.

Attendance: 155.

Photo Credit: P & M Imagery UK.